You’re reviewing your pup’s latest lab results from their annual exam, and you see a value flagged as abnormally high: cholesterol. What kind of problems can high cholesterol cause for your dog, and what can you do about it?
What Is High Cholesterol in Dogs?
High cholesterol is also called hypercholesterolemia, also referred to as hyperlipidemia. With this condition, your dog has higher-than-normal levels of triglycerides or fats circulating in its bloodstream.
Cholesterol is a fatty molecule that is essential for many normal body processes. For example, your dog’s body uses cholesterol molecules to make hormones and even create new cells. Both you and your dog’s bodies need triglycerides to form the permeable cell membranes that surround all living cells.
The normal range for cholesterol in dogs is 120 to 270 mg/dL.1
What Are the Signs of High Cholesterol in Dogs?
While many dogs don’t have clinical signs from elevated cholesterol levels, some may have ophthalmic changes, gastrointestinal issues, or even neurologic problems.
Ophthalmic Changes
Dogs with high cholesterol are prone to developing lipid spots on their corneas, often visible to the naked eye as white spots. Excess lipids can also accumulate within the aqueous humor of the eyes and lead to inflammation.
Gastrointestinal Changes
Vomiting and diarrhea are possible in dogs with hyperlipidemia. These dogs are also at a higher risk of developing pancreatitis, which is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition.
Other Changes
- Dogs with hyperlipidemia may start to have seizures.
- Atherosclerosis is less common in dogs than in people, but it is possible. These animals are at a higher risk for serious cardiovascular problems like strokes and heart attacks.
- Some dogs with high cholesterol develop skin changes, such as hair loss.
What Are the Causes of High Cholesterol in Dogs?
Dogs develop high cholesterol for several possible reasons.
Hereditary
Some dog breeds are predisposed to having higher cholesterol. While veterinarians commonly think of Miniature Schnauzers as representing this category, other breeds can be affected, including:
Postprandial
Postprandial refers to after eating. Often, dogs have elevated cholesterol levels after eating a meal, especially if it’s a fatty meal. This cause is usually transient.
Medication
Certain medications that our dogs take can increase their triglyceride levels. Steroids like prednisone or prednisolone are commonly implicated.
Acquired
Some health issues affecting our dogs can lead to high cholesterol. These conditions can affect your dog’s metabolism, leading to higher-than-normal cholesterol levels. These diseases include:
Consulting a veterinarian is recommended for the best course of action.
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