Period prevalence and mortality rates associated with hypocholesterolaemia in dogs and cats: 1,375 cases

Abstract

To determine the period prevalence of hypocholesterolaemia and the associated mortality rates in dogs and cats at a university teaching hospital. The secondary aim was to identify disease processes associated with hypocholesterolaemia. Materials and MethOds: Medical records over a 5-year period were reviewed to determine the severity of hypocholesterolaemia and its associated mortality rate. Medical records of animals with moderate to severe hypocholesterolaemia (<2.59 mmol/L in dogs, <1.81 mmol/L in cats) were analysed further. Animals with hospital-acquired hypocholesterolaemia were identified. results: Among 16,977 dogs and 3,788 cats that had at least one cholesterol measurement, the period prevalence of hypocholesterolaemia was 7.0% in dogs and 4.7% in cats. The mortality rate of hypocholesteraemic dogs and cats was 12% in both species which was significantly higher than that of animals with normal serum cholesterol. The degree of hypocholesterolaemia was significantly associated with mortality. Dogs, but not cats, with hospital-acquired hypocholesterolaemia had a higher mortality rate than those presenting with hypocholesterolaemia. Disease of hepatic, gastrointestinal and lymphoreticular systems were most commonly associated with hypocholesterolaemia, and infectious and neoplastic disease were the most commonly associated pathophysiologic processes in both species. Lymphoma was over-represented in dogs with neoplasia. clinical significance: Hypocholesterolaemia is not a frequent abnormality but was associated with mortality in this study and may be a negative prognostic indicator. It is not known if hypocholesterolaemia is simply a marker for disease severity, or if it is has active physiologic effects contributing to poor outcomes.

Diagnosis of canine spontaneous hypoadrenocorticism

“…Hypocholesterolaemia is more common in dogs with glucocorticoid deficiency alone approximately 75 versus 15–20% cases, respectively) [ 14 , 28 , 29 ]. Indeed, hypoadrenocorticism was the third and fourth most common cause of moderate to severe hypocholesterolaemia in dogs after hepatic and gastrointestinal disease in two retrospective studies [ 61 , 62 ]. Hypocholesterolaemia is likely a consequence of the relatively prolonged gastrointestinal signs in dogs with this form of the disease.…”

Life‐Limiting Peripheral Organ Dysfunction in Feline Sandhoff Disease Emerges after Effective CNS Gene Therapy

“…While the relationship between hypocholesterolemia and clinical status of SD cats is unknown, a recent study found mortality rates of 21.2% in cats of the general population with moderate to severe hypocholesterolemia. 41 Similar rates of mortality have been reported in humans with hypocholesterolemia, [42][43][44] though it is not known whether low cholesterol levels are a cause and/or outcome of severe disease processes. Both cholesterol and gangliosides play important roles in lipid rafts, 45,46 and they are physically associated within the cell membrane.…”

“…Another interesting finding was the highly reproducible serum cholesterol decreases of ≥50% in untreated or AAV‐treated SD cats. While the relationship between hypocholesterolemia and clinical status of SD cats is unknown, a recent study found mortality rates of 21.2% in cats of the general population with moderate to severe hypocholesterolemia 41 . Similar rates of mortality have been reported in humans with hypocholesterolemia, 42–44 though it is not known whether low cholesterol levels are a cause and/or outcome of severe disease processes.…”

Retrospective evaluation of the etiology and clinical characteristics of peripheral edema in dogs

“…For dogs with LVO, the most common underlying disease was neoplasia. A retrospective study in dogs found that neoplasia and infection were the most common underlying disease categories associated with hypocholesterolemia 55 . Within the venous thrombosis etiology group, the most common underlying disease processes were neoplasia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and IMHA.…”

“…A retrospective study in dogs found that neoplasia and infection were the most common underlying disease categories associated with hypocholesterolemia. 55 Within the venous thrombosis etiology group, the most common underlying disease processes were neoplasia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and IMHA. All 3 of these diseases have a known association with increased ALP levels in dogs, particularly in dogs where a venous thrombus is identified.…”