Idiopathic hyperlipoproteinemia in dogs.

Six dogs with hyperlipoproteinemia of undetermined cause had increased serum concentrations of lower density lipoprotein classes, as detected by lipid measurements and lipoprotein electrophoresis. Five of the dogs were Miniature Schnauzers and 1 was of mixed breeding. Signs of disease included abdominal distress (2 dogs), abdominal distress and seizures (2 dogs), and weizures (1 dog). One dog was clinically normal. Feeding of a low-fat diet resulted in alterations of lipoprotein distribution and serum lipid content. In 2 dogs, intravenous (IV) administration of heparin caused shifing of the lipoprotein electrophoretic pattern, indicating activated lipoprotein lipase. These clinical and laboratory findings suggested a syndrome caused by an inherited defect in lipid metabolism.