Moraiti K. PhD Student, Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa | Walker L. Undergraduated student, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA | Hung M. DVM, DACVIM, VCA Animal Specialty Group, San Diego, CA, USA | Steiner J. Distinguished Professor, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA | Xenoulis P. Associate Professor, Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa and Adjunct Professor, Texas A&M University, Texas, USA
Introduction
Hyperlipidemia has been reported as a risk factor for pancreatitis in both humans and dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible relationship between serum Spec fPL and triglyceride concentrations in cats.
Materials and methods
Spec fPL and triglyceride concentration was measured in serum samples from 25 cats after more than 10 hours fasting.
Results
Fifteen of 25 (60%) cats had hyperlipidemia (median: 825mg/dL; range: 135.2-1,873mg/dL) and 12/25 (48%) cats had moderate or severe hyperlipidemia. There was no significant correlation between serum Spec fPL and triglyceride concentration (Spearman r=-0.3; p-value=0.13). The median serum Spec fPL concentration was not significantly different between cats with hyperlipidemia (4.8μg/ dL) and cats with normal serum triglyceride concentration (6.9μg/dL; p-value=0.18). Median serum Spec fPL concentration in cats with moderate or severe hyperlipidemia (6.9μg/dL) was not significantly higher than in cats with normal triglyceride concentration (4.5μg/dL; p-value=0.13).
Conclusions
A high percentage of cats in this study had hyperlipidemia. However, hyperlipidemia does not appear to be a risk factor for pancreatitis in cats.
