02355-A: Hyperlipidemia in the Miniature Schnauzer: A Combined Metabolomic and Genomic Approach
Grant Status: Closed
Abstract
Miniature Schnauzers can be affected by a condition causing too much circulating lipid (fat) in the bloodstream, known as hyperlipidemia. The problem appears to worsen as dogs get older and may affect up to 3 in every 10 dogs. Affected dogs are more likely to suffer from other serious health conditions including pancreatitis and diabetes, and liver and kidney problems. Whilst an underlying genetic cause is suspected, the gene or genes responsible for this condition in Miniature Schnauzers have not been identified. At present, routine blood tests only allow veterinarians to measure 2 types of lipid - triglyceride and cholesterol. In contrast, in human lipid disorders, improved diagnosis and personalized treatment options have been achieved by measurement of a much wider variety of lipids in the bloodstream, combined with genetic testing. The investigators will measure over 2000 substances including lipid- and metabolism-related markers in the blood of Miniature Schnauzers to improve understanding of hyperlipidemia that may guide more specific treatment options. The researchers will also examine differences between genes of affected and unaffected Miniature Schnauzers, to try to identify important mutations associated with hyperlipidemia. These studies may lead to a genetic screening test and/or new targets for treatment of this condition.
Publication(s)
None at this time.
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