Canine hyperlipidaemia

Abstract

Hyperlipidaemia refers to an increased concentration of lipids in the blood. Hyperlipidaemia is common in dogs and has recently emerged as an important clinical condition that requires a systematic diagnostic approach and appropriate treatment. Hyperlipidaemia can be either primary or secondary to other diseases. Secondary hyperlipidaemia is the most common form in dogs, and it can be a result of endocrine disorders, pancreatitis, cholestasis, protein‐losing nephropathy, obesity, as well as other conditions and the use of certain drugs. Primary hyperlipidaemia is less common in the general canine population but it can be very common within certain breeds. Hypertriglyceridaemia of Miniature Schnauzers is the most common form of primary hyperlipidaemia in dogs but other breeds are also affected. Possible complications of hyperlipidaemia in dogs include pancreatitis, liver disease, atherosclerosis, ocular disease and seizures. Management of primary hyperlipidaemia in dogs is achieved by administration of ultra low‐fat diets with or without the administration of lipid lowering drugs such as omega‐3 fatty acids, fibrates, niacin and statins.

Serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations and lipoprotein profiles in dogs with naturally occurring pancreatitis and healthy control dogs

“…The nature of the association between hyperlipidemia and pancreatitis remains unclear in dogs, but it has been speculated to be bidirectional . Hypertriglyceridemia, a form of hyperlipidemia, has been considered to be the cause of pancreatitis in some cases.…”

“…This hypothesis is supported by the results of 2 clinical studies in dogs, and is further supported by ex vivo studies in dogs and clinical studies in humans . On the other hand, hyperlipidemia also has been hypothesized to be the result of pancreatitis . Although this association is widely believed to be true, scientific evidence supporting this hypothesis has not been documented in dogs with naturally occurring pancreatitis.…”

“…Requirements for inclusion of dogs in Group 1 were: (1) a clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis; (2) absence of diseases that can cause secondary hyperlipidemia (eg, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism); (3) not receiving or having received any medications known to affect lipid metabolism (eg, glucocorticosteroids) for at least 3 months before inclusion in the study; (4) being fed diets not labeled as “low‐fat”; (5) withholding of food for at least 12 hours before blood collection; and (6) having enough serum for additional testing.…”

A retrospective analysis of lipid‐laden aqueous humor in dogs: Thirty cases

“…Lipid‐laden aqueous humor (LLA) is a condition likely associated with disorders resulting in hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia is an increased concentration of lipids (ie, triglycerides, cholesterol, or both) in the blood . Hyperlipidemia may be postprandial, primary idiopathic, or secondary to other diseases such as endocrine disorders, pancreatitis, cholestasis, protein‐losing nephropathy, obesity, and the use of certain drugs .…”

“…Hyperlipidemia is an increased concentration of lipids (ie, triglycerides, cholesterol, or both) in the blood . Hyperlipidemia may be postprandial, primary idiopathic, or secondary to other diseases such as endocrine disorders, pancreatitis, cholestasis, protein‐losing nephropathy, obesity, and the use of certain drugs . Secondary hyperlipidemia as a result of endocrine disease such as diabetes mellitus, hyperadrenocorticism, or hypothyroidism is the more common form in dogs, whereas primary hyperlipidemia is less common within the general canine population .…”