Supplementation of omega-3 and dietary factors can influence the cholesterolemia and triglyceridemia in hyperlipidemic Schnauzer dogs: A preliminary report

Abstract

Primary hyperlipidaemia in Schnauzer is characterized by increased plasma triglycerides (TG) and/or total cholesterol (TC) concentration and is associated with an increased risk of developing pancreatitis, insulin resistance and seizures. In humans, omega-3 fatty acids in addition to a low-fat diet can be used to reduce TG and TC. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids associated to a diet management with two different fat content in Schnauzer with primary hyperlipidaemia. Eighteen dogs with primary hyperlipidaemia were divided into two groups: group 1, n = 10, 8 females, 2 males, age (mean ± standard deviation) of 7.13 ± 2.70 years and body weight (BW) (mean ± standard deviation) of 7.25 ± 1.22 kg were treated with fish oil (approximately 730 mg/day of omega-3) associated with a low-fat and low-calorie diet (approximately 24g of fat/1000 kcal) for 90 days (T90); and group 2, n = 8 dogs, 6 females, 2 males, with 7.0 ± 1.77 years old and average BW of 8.36 ± 1.51 kg, treated with fish oil (approximately 730 mg/day of omega-3) and maintenance diet with moderate amount of fat (approximately 33g of fat/1000 kcal) for 90 days. Plasma TG and TC concentrations and lipoprotein (LP) profile (VLDL, LDL, HDL) were evaluated before and after treatment. TG and TC serum concentrations, expressed in mg/dL (mean ± standard deviation), before and after treatment in group 1 were: TG = 391.30 ± 487.86 (T0) and 118.7 ± 135.21 (T90); TC = 308.2 ± 63.06 (T0) and 139 ± 36.91 (T90). As for group 2, TG = 391.63 ± 336.89 (T0) and 250.75 ± 211.56 (T90); TC = 257.25 ± 92.88 (T0) and 207.25 ± 63.79 (T90). A reduction (p<0.05) of TG and TC was observed in both groups. The distribution of TG and TC among LP was not different between the pre (T0) and post treatment (T90) periods. After 90 days of treatment, the administration of omega-3 fatty acids, associated with a low-fat or maintenance diet reduced triglyceridemia and cholesterolemia without altering LP profile. The current investigation shows that both therapies were effective in reducing plasma TC and TG concentrations without altering LP profile.

Feeding of fish oil and medium-chain triglycerides to canines impacts circulating structural and energetic lipids, endocannabinoids, and non-lipid metabolite profiles

“…Although decreasing dietary saturated fat is known to reduce circulating triglycerides in other species ( 86 ), it has been proposed that n3 fatty acid inclusion in the food can independently decrease triglycerides as well ( 86 , 87 ). However, in contrast to the reports that indicate that FO can reduce triglycerides in dogs ( 66 , 84 ), three FO feeding trials in dogs showed no effect of FO on triglycerides ( 36 , 88 , 89 ). The levels of total FO (or EPA + DHA) offered to dogs as well as the DHA-to-EPA ratio were lower in all of those trials than in the current trial.…”

“…In the current trial, dietary oil feeding in dogs led to reduced triglycerides. Consistent with trials in both dogs ( 66 , 84 ) and humans ( 85 ), there was a decrease in circulating triglycerides with FO feeding. This decrease was also apparent in the FO+MCT group but not in the MCT group.…”

“…In the three trials that showed no effect of FO on triglycerides, one tested FO as a supplement in client-owned, mixed-breed dogs with an intake of 0.03–0.04 g FO/kg BW ( 88 ), while the other two studies used FO in food form at 0.11 g EPA+DHA/kg BW in Belgian Shepherd working dogs ( 89 ) and 0.06 g FO/kg BW in beagles ( 36 ). In the two trials that showed a reduction in triglycerides with FO, one tested FO as a supplement in miniature Schnauzers with primary hyperlipidemia (intake of 0.10 g EPA+DHA/kg BW, though it is unclear how this amount was present in one FO capsule) ( 84 ) and the other tested a food form of FO (0.10 g EPA+DHA/kg BW) in beagles ( 66 ). In the current study, the offering of FO to dogs was much higher (0.45 g FO/kg BW), and 0.19 g of EPA+DHA/kg BW was fed.…”

Clustering analysis of lipoprotein profiles to identify subtypes of hypertriglyceridemia in Miniature Schnauzers

“…Historically, primary HTG in Miniatures Schnauzers was thought to be a single condition characterized by higher triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins (TRL) and lower low density lipoproteins (LDL) 14 . However, Miniature Schnauzers with presumed primary HTG have varied responses to management strategies, such as feeding a low‐fat diet 15,16 . Further, lipoprotein profiles before dietary intervention can distinguish Miniature Schnauzers that will have HTG resolution when fed a low‐fat diet from those that will not respond 15 .…”

“… 14 However, Miniature Schnauzers with presumed primary HTG have varied responses to management strategies, such as feeding a low‐fat diet. 15 , 16 Further, lipoprotein profiles before dietary intervention can distinguish Miniature Schnauzers that will have HTG resolution when fed a low‐fat diet from those that will not respond. 15 This suggests that there might be multiple subtypes of HTG that contribute to clinical variability in treatment response.…”