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Hypercholesterolaemia in briards in the United Kingdom
P Watson1, K W Simpson, P G Bedford
1Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, Hertfordshire.
Research in Veterinary Science
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Clinically healthy Briard dogs exhibit elevated cholesterol levels, indicating a potential primary defect in cholesterol metabolism. This hyperlipidemia may be linked to abnormal high-density lipoprotein accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Canine Biochemistry
- Lipid Metabolism
Background:
- Elevated fasting plasma cholesterol concentrations were observed in clinically healthy Briard dogs.
- Biochemical analyses showed no other significant abnormalities in these dogs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature of hyperlipidemia in Briard dogs.
- To identify potential primary abnormalities in cholesterol metabolism within the breed.
Main Methods:
- Plasma lipoprotein electrophoresis was performed.
- Precipitation of specific lipoproteins using dextran sulphate-magnesium chloride and sodium phosphotungstate-magnesium chloride was employed.
Main Results:
- A marked increase in the alpha 2 band intensity was observed in Briard dogs compared to controls.
- This increase was reduced by precipitation of apo B and apo E containing lipoproteins.
- The hyperlipidemia was characterized by increased cholesterol but normal triglyceride concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Briard dogs possess a hyperlipidemia characterized by elevated cholesterol and normal triglycerides.
- The findings suggest a primary abnormality in cholesterol metabolism, possibly related to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) accumulation.
- Further investigation is warranted regarding the role of lipid metabolism abnormalities in Briard retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy.