Hyperlipidemia in Dogs
Key takeaways
Hyperlipidemia in dogs refers to the presence of excessive amounts of fat (lipids) in the blood, including triglycerides and/or cholesterol.
- Hyperlipidemia can be primary (inherited, idiopathic) or secondary to something else (e.g., diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, kidney disease, certain medications)
- Hyperlipidemia is most often secondary in dogs
- Hyperlipidemia is often asymptomatic but when present, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, lack of appetite, seizures, and eye cloudiness
- Hyperlipidemia may be apparent in routine blood samples, and is confirmed by persistent presence of lipids in blood after a fast
- Further diagnostics, such as specialized blood assays and urinalysis, are required to identify the underlying cause
- Depending on the cause, treatment may include dietary changes and medication
- Secondary hyperlipidemia usually resolves with treatment of the underlying disease, while the primary form demands life-long care
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A closer look: Hyperlipidemia in Dogs
Lipids are a type of molecule commonly found throughout the body that assist in many aspects of regular function. Lipids encompass a number of types of substances but include waxes, fats, and fat-soluble vitamins. While common in the body, an excess of lipids can be indicative of an imbalance somewhere in normal functioning or of an unbalanced diet. Excess lipids can lead to a number of health concerns and can require medical intervention.
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Risk factors
Although it is most commonly asymptomatic, hyperlipidemia is common in dogs. Lower levels of lipids in the blood are generally associated with milder symptoms. Higher levels can lead to more severe symptoms, such as seizures and eye diseases (including symptoms such as cloudiness of the eyes, or white spots on the clear cornea of the eye).
While it is not necessarily an emergency, hyperlipidemia can lead to blindness, seizures, and acute pancreatitis, which can be fatal. The presence of symptoms warrants prompt veterinary attention. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause and response to treatment.
Possible causes
Primary hyperlipidemia is caused by genetic or unknown factors. The more common secondary form of this disease can be caused by certain underlying conditions.
It can also be associated with pregnancy, high-fat diets, and use of some medications (steroids, phenobarbital).
Main symptoms
Hyperlipidemia in dogs often has no clinical signs.
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnosis of hyperlipidemia requires a thorough physical exam and complete medication history. The presence of fat in the blood may be grossly apparent in blood samples taken for routine testing. Since higher levels of serum fat are normal for up to 10 hours after eating any fat-containing meal, another sample may be taken after a 12-18 hour fast to confirm abnormally high levels. Additional testing for underlying diseases may be required and can include blood work, urinalysis, or diagnostic imaging.
Steps to Recovery
Treatment depends on the underlying disease, if any. For example, insulin therapy for diabetes mellitus, medications for Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism, and medications and supportive care (such as intravenous fluids) for pancreatitis. The main treatment for both primary and secondary hyperlipidemia is a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation may also be helpful. Lipid-lowering drugs used in humans have not been proven in terms of safety or efficacy for dogs, so are seldom used. Primary hyperlipidemia may be transient, recurring, and asymptomatic, and is therefore harder to treat and requires ongoing blood tests to monitor.
The prognosis for secondary hyperlipidemia is good with treatment of the associated disease. Primary hyperlipidemia requires ongoing monitoring and management.
Prevention
Hyperlipidemia is not contagious to other dogs or humans. Regular veterinary care, including blood screenings, may help detect the condition and/or underlying diseases earlier to prevent severe outcomes of hyperlipidemia. It is not advisable to breed animals with hereditary hyperlipidemia.
Is Hyperlipidemia in Dogs common?
Hyperlipidemia is common in dogs.
Typical Treatment
- Low-fat, high-fiber diet
- Supplements (Fish oil; omega-3 fatty acids)
- Medications
