A Pilot Study of the Total Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio as a Prognostic Indicator of Hyperlipidemia-Related Diseases in Dogs and Cats

Abstract

In veterinary medicine, the significance of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) measurements is not as well documented as it is in humans. The HDL level can be measured in dogs as well and, through referring to the normal range, it is possible to find out what this means in relation to various endocrine diseases and hyperlipidemia diseases. The aim of this study is to measure the HDL levels in dogs with various conditions and to evaluate whether the total cholesterol (TC)-to-HDL ratio is effective as a prognostic indicator in various hyperlipidemia and endocrine diseases, which is significant since it is the first trial in dogs. Through a retrospective study design, sixteen client-owned dogs and cats visiting a local private practice were divided into three groups: five dogs without hyperlipidemia or metabolic disease (Group 1), eight dogs with Cushing’s, hypothyroidism, and gallbladder sludge (Group 2), and three cats, including one with diabetes, one with a urinary disorder, and one healthy cat (Group 3). In two dogs, the TC/HDL values were between 2 and 3; in two dogs, the values were between 3 and 4; and in two dogs, the values were between 4 and 5. In three dogs, the TC/HDL values were between 5 and 6 and in three dogs the ratio values were between 6 and 7. The other value was higher than 8. Except for two dogs that showed lower values than 3, all dogs in Group 1 and Group 2 had concurrent endocrine disease. This means that TC/HDL values can be an excellent indicator of endocrine disease in dogs as well. In cats, although it is a very small batch of samples, a high TC/HDL value of 9 points was shown in the cat that had diabetes mellitus. However, for more statistically significant results, a larger sample group for further investigation is needed.