Symptoms and Treatment of High Blood Lipids in Pets

1 Overview

The survey also found over half of owners do not think their pet is obese, underestimating the risk. Many pets are overweight, cats most of all. Obesity brings many problems; today we cover hyperlipidemia.

Hyperlipidemia means raised blood lipids. It is primary or secondary.

Primary is usually a hereditary abnormality of triglycerides, lipoproteins, cholesterol or chylomicrons. Prone breeds: Miniature Schnauzer, Briard, Scottish Sheepdog.

Secondary relates to reduced intake and starvation, and to diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes, pancreatitis, Cushing’s, liver and some kidney diseases. High-fat food also causes a temporary rise.

How to tell your pet has it?

1. Low spirit, poor appetite, weakness, reluctance to move.

2. Cloudy, milky or yellow plasma. Normal centrifuged blood layers serum over cells, serum clear; a hyperlipidemic pet shows a thick white opaque fat layer on top.

To reduce occurrence, feed pet-specific food or cans, avoid table scraps; walks and swimming are great exercise for dogs, and swimming suits overweight, old or joint-weary dogs best.