INVESTIGATIONS INTO HYPERLIPIDEMIA AND ITS POSSIBLE ...

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Primary hyperlipidemia in Miniature Schnauzers
Primary hyperlipidemia in Miniature Schnauzers was the first breed-related
primary lipid disorder described in dogs. 15,17,34,37,49,83 This condition was first reported
more than 30 years ago in Miniature Schnauzers in the United States. 15,17,49,83 It is
characterized by an abnormal accumulation of VLDL or a combination of VLDL and
chylomicrons. Although hypercholesterolemia may also be present, this finding is not
consistent. 17,49,83 A recent study has shown that primary hypertriglyceridemia is common
in healthy Miniature Schnauzers in the United States, being present in 32.8% of 192
healthy Miniature Schnauzers investigated. 84 However, hypertriglyceridemia was much
more prevalent among older dogs; more than 75% of healthy Miniature Schnauzers ≥ 9
years of age had hypertriglyceridemia. In addition, the severity of hypertriglyceridemia
increased with age and the vast majority (> 80%) of Miniature Schnauzers with
moderate to severe hypertriglyceridemia were ≥6 years of age. 84 There was no difference
between male and female Miniature Schnauzers with regard to the prevalence of
hypertriglyceridemia. These findings would suggest that hypertriglyceridemia of
Miniature Schnauzers is the most common primary lipid disorder in dogs. It has been
recommended that all Miniature Schnauzers in the United States should be evaluated for
hypertriglyceridemia while they are healthy, because this information may be useful for
the avoidance of misinterpretation of increased serum triglyceride concentrations when
the dogs are presented for a clinical illness. 84 In addition, knowing the serum triglyceride
status of the dog, the veterinarian might consider offering to switch the affected dog to a
low-fat diet to avoid possible complications of hypertriglyceridemia. Due to the fact that