Symptoms & Treatments for Cats & Dogs with Hyperlipidem
However, the survey also revealed that more than half of pet owners do not believe their pets are overweight, overlooking the seriousness of pet obesity. Many pets, particularly cats, suffer from obesity. Excess weight can lead to a host of issues, and today, we'll delve into hyperlipidemia, one such condition.
Hyperlipidemia refers to an elevated level of lipids in the blood. It is categorized into primary hyperlipidemia and secondary hyperlipidemia.
Primary hyperlipidemia is often a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal levels of triglycerides, lipoproteins, cholesterol, or chylomicrons. Breeds prone to primary hyperlipidemia include Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Frises, and Scottish Terriers.
Secondary hyperlipidemia is directly related to reduced food intake, malnutrition, and other states of hunger. It can also occur following certain diseases in pets, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, pancreatitis, hyperadrenocorticism, liver disease, and certain types of kidney disease. Additionally, consuming highfat foods can cause a temporary increase in blood lipid levels.
How can you tell if your furry friend has hyperlipidemia?
Depression, decreased appetite, weakness, and a lack of willingness to move around.
Cloudy plasma, appearing milky or yellowish. Normal blood, after being spun in a centrifuge at high speed, should separate into a top layer of serum and a bottom layer of blood cells, with the serum being transparent or semitransparent. However, in pets with hyperlipidemia, the top layer of the blood, after centrifugation, will show a thick, white, opaque layer of fat.
To reduce the occurrence of this condition, pet owners should feed their pets specialized pet food or canned food, avoiding table scraps. Moreover, regular walks and swimming are excellent forms of exercise for dogs, especially swimming, which is a gentle and suitable option for overweight, older, or dogs with joint degeneration.
