Determination of retinol, cholecalciferol, α-tocopherol and phylloquinone levels in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy: a preliminary study

Lipid-soluble vitamins are essential micronutrients that play a vital role in processes such as growth, reproduction, immune regulation, antioxidant defense, anti-inflammatory response and cardiovascular health. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma levels of retinol, cholecalciferol, alpha-tocopherol and phylloquinone in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Six dogs diagnosed with DCM and ten healthy control dogs were selected based on clinical, echocardiographic, electrocardiographic and radiographic examinations. Chromatographic analysis was performed to analyze the content of lipid-soluble vitamins. The mean plasma retinol levels were 0.0285 mu g/mL and 0.0495 mu g/mL in the DCM and control groups, respectively, and the mean cholecalciferol levels were 0.0739 mu g/mL and 0.1045 mu g/mL in the DCM and control groups, respectively. Retinol and cholecalciferol levels were both statistically lower in the DCM group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The mean plasma alpha-tocopherol levels were 0.3103 and 0.4322 mu g/mL, and the mean plasma phylloquinone levels were 0.03780 and 0.04082 mu g/mL in the DCM and control groups, respectively. However, no statistical significance was observed between the two groups for alpha-tocopherol or phylloquinone levels. Based on our findings, alterations in vitamin A and D metabolism could be associated with the development of idiopathic DCM in dogs. However, given the limited sample size, further investigation in larger populations is needed.