Authors: Ajadi, R. A.; E. B. Otesile; O. B. Kasali
Bulgarian Journal of Veterinary Medicine (2012), 15, No 3, 166−171
Abstract
Changes in plasma lipid profile of dogs following experimental knee osteoarthritis (OA) were evaluated to determine the possible cardiovascular risk associated with OA in dogs.
Ten dogs (mean weight 12.4 ± 1.8 kg) were used. Experimental OA was induced in the right knee, using the groove model and confirmed by radiography. Gait was assessed subjectively and respective gait scores (GAS) were assigned. Blood was obtained for determination of total plasma cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TRIG), high density lipoproteins (HDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) fortnightly for twelve weeks. Radiographic scores (RAS), GAS, TC, TRIG, HDL and LDL were compared by means of ANOVA. Correlation between parameters was evaluatedusing Pearson’s correlation test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The blood TC of the dogs progressively decreased from week 4 to week 12 of OA. The TRIG however, decreased progressively from the baseline values up to the second week and thereafter, there were no significant differences up to week 12. The LDL decreased progressively from the baseline value until the 10th week, while the HDL decreased progressively from baseline up to week 2 of experimental knee OA, and thereafter increased until the 10th week. It was therefore concluded that there were no significant changes in the lipid profile of dogs following experimental OA. However, these changes might be related to the duration of observation period.
Key words: cholesterol, dog, lipoproteins, osteoarthritis, triglycerides