INVESTIGATIONS INTO HYPERLIPIDEMIA AND ITS POSSIBLE ...

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apolipoprotein C-II, which is an activator of lipoprotein lipase, was evaluated for the
presence of possible mutations in Miniature Schnauzers with primary
hypertriglyceridemia. However, no variants of the apo-CII gene were found to be
associated with hypertriglyceridemia. 112 Further studies are warranted to identify the
genetic basis of primary hypertriglyceridemia in Miniature Schnauzers.
Until recently, primary hypertriglyceridemia was considered to be a relatively
benign condition in Miniature Schnauzers. However, recent studies indicate that
hypertriglyceridemia in Miniature Schnauzers might be associated with pancreatitis,
hepatobiliary disease, ocular disease, seizures, or possibly other conditions (for further
discussion on this topic please see “Clinical signs and complications of hyperlipidemia”
on page 18).
Primary hyperlipidemia in other dog breeds
Primary hypercholesterolemia without hypertriglyceridemia has been
documented in 15 Briards from the United Kingdom (UK). 35 A similar condition has
also been described in a family of rough-coated Collies also from the UK. 16 A slightly
different condition of primary hypercholesterolemia with or without concurrent
hypertriglyceridemia has been reported in Shetland Sheepdogs. 113 The cause of these
lipid abnormalities that mainly involve cholesterol metabolism has not yet been
determined, but hereditary factors were suspected. 16,35,113
In addition, primary
hypercholesterolemia has been reported anecdotally in Doberman Pinschers and
Rottweilers. 114