Cutting Through The Fat: Facts About Hyperlipidemia In Dogs
Posted on: 19 January 2016
Did you know that dogs, like their human family members, can have high cholesterol? Unlike in humans, high cholesterol rarely causes cardiovascular disease. High cholesterol, commonly referred to as hyperlipidemia in dogs, is usually the result of an underlying cause that needs to be identified to prevent other potential health complications. Understanding how cholesterol levels are interpreted in dogs and knowing the different causes of hyperlipidemia are helpful in determining the appropriate treatment to preserve your dog's health.
Defining and Evaluating Cholesterol
Cholesterol is essentially defined as fatty deposits called lipids, which circulate in the bloodstream. Cholesterol is necessary for cellular function. Your dog's body produces cholesterol in his liver and in his cells, and he also takes in cholesterol in his diet. When your veterinarian evaluates the results of your dog's blood chemistry panel, two values are indicative of your pet's cholesterol level. These two values are the following:
- Cholesterol, for which the reference range for dogs falls between 92 and 324 mg/dL
- Triglycerides, for which the reference range for dogs falls between 29 and 291 mg/dL
To attain accurate test results, your dog should be fasted for 12 hours prior to the blood draw, as these levels increase after a meal. If the cholesterol is higher than 300 mg/dL and/or the triglycerides exceed 150 mg/dL, then your dog is diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, and the underlying cause must be determined.
Causes of Hyperlipidemia in Dogs
While elevated triglyceride levels can occur in dogs that are obese and consume diets that are high in fat, hyperlipidemia more often arises as a secondary problem to an underlying cause. Some health conditions that can result in hyperlipidemia include the following:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing's disease
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Cholestasis, or blocked bile duct
- Nephrotic syndrome
Hyperlipidemia can present as a primary condition in certain breeds. Some genetic predispositions for hyperlipidemia have been noted in the following breeds:
- Miniature schnauzers
- Miniature poodles
- Doberman pinschers
- Beagles
- Shetland sheepdogs
- Rottweilers
- Cocker spaniels
- Briards
Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can also cause hyperlipidemia.
Symptoms of Hyperlipidemia in Dogs
Often, the symptoms that owners observe are actually those of the underlying condition. There are a few symptoms of hyperlipidemia in some dogs, however, and these may include the following:
- Cloudy appearance or lipid deposits on the cornea of the eye
- Fatty bumps on the skin
- Seizure activity
- Itchy skin or hair loss
- Abdominal discomfort, vomiting or diarrhea
Symptoms of underlying medical conditions and other values in your dog's laboratory test results enable your veterinarian to determine the cause of your dog's hyperlipidemia. Tests that will be performed include a blood chemistry profile, complete blood count and urinalysis. Depending on your dog's symptoms, additional testing may include a thyroid function profile or one of the tests to rule out Cushing's disease.
Treatment and Prognosis
In cases of hyperlipidemia in which no underlying disease is determined to be the cause of the elevated cholesterol values, such as in an obese pet or a breed that is genetically predisposed, a dietary change will be prescribed. Additional treatment will take priority in cases that are the result of a medical condition. The prognosis for your dog is based upon the prognosis of the diagnosed condition. Since the aforementioned conditions that can cause hyperlipidemia all pose serious threats to a dog's health, it is imperative to control these conditions. Periodic testing to monitor your dog's condition and his cholesterol levels will be an essential part of the treatment plan.
For more information, contact vets like those at Apple Valley Animal Hospital.
Share