🧈 Hyperlipidemia in Dogs and Cats – A 2025 Vet’s Guide to Managing High Fat Levels in Pets

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

🔍 What Is Hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia refers to an abnormally high level of fat molecules—mainly cholesterol and triglycerides—in the bloodstream. While it's normal for lipid levels to rise after a fatty meal (called lipemia), in healthy pets they quickly return to normal. When they stay elevated for too long, it becomes a medical issue. ⚠️

These fats are carried through the watery blood via complexes called lipoproteins. If the balance between fat absorption and breakdown is disturbed, hyperlipidemia develops. 🧪

💡 Types of Lipids Involved

• Triglycerides – Provide energy and are the most commonly elevated fat in pets 🧈
• Cholesterol – Used to make hormones and cell membranes 🧬
• Chylomicrons – Fat-packed transporters from the intestines, visible as creamy blood serum 🩸

⚠️ Causes of Hyperlipidemia

Most cases are secondary to another condition. These include:

• 💉 Diabetes mellitus
• 🐢 Hypothyroidism
• 🌊 Cushing’s disease (excess cortisol)
• 🧪 Liver disease
• 🩺 Protein-losing nephropathy
• 🍖 High-fat meals or table scraps

Some medications—especially corticosteroids and progestogens—can also trigger elevated lipid levels. 🧴

🐶 Breed Predispositions

Genetic or inherited hyperlipidemia is rare in cats but more common in some dog breeds, especially after age 4:

• Miniature Schnauzer
• Beagle
• Shetland Sheepdog
• Rough Collie
• Briard
• Poodle

🩺 Signs and Symptoms

Some pets show no symptoms, especially in early or mild cases. When signs are present, they may include:

• 😵 Vomiting, diarrhea, and poor appetite
• 🔥 Abdominal pain or pancreatitis (severe cases)
• 🐾 Itchy skin, hair loss
• 👁️ Cloudy eyes or eye inflammation
• ⚡ Seizures (rare, but possible)

Fat deposits may form in skin, eyes, or blood vessels over time. 🧬

🧪 Diagnosing Hyperlipidemia

Step 1: Fasted Blood Test

Testing must be done after a 12-hour fast to get accurate readings. Ideal time? Morning, before breakfast. 🌅

Common Diagnostics Include:

• 📊 Biochemistry panel (including triglycerides and cholesterol)
• 🩸 Complete blood count
• 🔬 Urinalysis
• 🧪 Hormone testing (e.g., thyroid or cortisol levels)
• 🧴 Chylomicron check (for visible creamy plasma)

In complex cases, additional lipoprotein profiling may be recommended. 📈

💊 Treatment of Hyperlipidemia

1. 🦴 Treat the Underlying Disease

If a metabolic disorder like diabetes, hypothyroidism, or Cushing’s is to blame, stabilizing it will usually resolve the lipid imbalance. 🩺

2. 🥗 Low-Fat Diet

• 🐾 Choose a low-fat, high-fiber prescription diet
• ❌ No table scraps or fatty treats
• 🥄 Avoid sudden dietary changes

Some pets may dislike low-fat foods due to reduced palatability, but flavor boosters can help. 🍽️

3. 🐟 Fish Oil Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids can lower triglycerides slightly. Though not curative, they help reduce risk and inflammation. Always check dose with your vet. 🐠

4. ⚕️ Medication (if needed)

Human lipid-lowering drugs like statins are not safe for pets. Other meds (e.g., niacin, gemfibrozil) can have serious side effects and must only be used under veterinary supervision. 🚫

📈 Monitoring and Rechecks

Regular blood tests track lipid levels and the success of treatment. If your pet has an associated disease, rechecks may follow that schedule. 🧪

⚠️ If your pet shows vomiting or diarrhea, get checked sooner—even if your next test isn’t due yet.

📉 Prognosis

• 📊 Mild cases without other disease → good prognosis with diet
• 🧬 Genetic hyperlipidemia → lifelong management needed
• 🧪 Secondary to metabolic disease → depends on control of that disease

Pets with uncontrolled hyperlipidemia are at higher risk of developing pancreatitis, which can be life-threatening. 🐾🔥

📲 Ask A Vet: Personalized Lipid Management

Unsure if your pet needs a low-fat diet? Want help choosing the best omega-3s? Download the Ask A Vet App or visit AskAVet.com for tailored guidance and vet support, 24/7. 🐶📱🐱

✅ Summary: Key Takeaways

• 🩺 Hyperlipidemia = too much fat in the blood (triglycerides and cholesterol)
• ⚠️ Often secondary to diseases like diabetes or hypothyroidism
• 🧪 Fasted blood tests are crucial for diagnosis
• 🥗 Managed with diet, fish oil, and disease control
• 📉 Left untreated, can lead to serious conditions like pancreatitis

💬 Final Words from Dr Duncan Houston

Fat might be flavorful, but when it circulates where it shouldn’t, it poses real risks for your pet. Hyperlipidemia often flies under the radar—until a crisis like pancreatitis occurs. Early testing, proper diet, and good vet follow-up can make a huge difference. 🐕❤️🐾

Need help reviewing test results or switching diets? Reach out through the Ask A Vet App or visit AskAVet.com—support is always just a tap away. 📱🩺