By Pashupatinath Vet Lab • Shahpura, Bhopal
Many pet parents hear the term “high lipid”, “high cholesterol” or “high triglycerides”
on their dog’s blood report and feel confused. Is it serious? Does it need treatment? Can food
alone solve it?
This article explains hyperlipidemia in dogs in simple language and shows how
veterinary lab tests help your vet protect your pet.
What is “high lipid” (hyperlipidemia) in dogs?
Lipids are fats in the blood – mainly cholesterol and triglycerides. Some amount of lipid is
normal and necessary for health. Hyperlipidemia means these levels are higher than the normal
reference range for dogs.
Sometimes this happens for a short time after a fat-rich meal, but if levels stay high even in a
fasting sample, it is a sign that something is wrong.
Common causes of high lipid in dogs
- Diet & obesity: Too much fat or overall calories in the diet and excess body weight.
- Breed tendency: Breeds like Miniature Schnauzers are more prone to hyperlipidemia.
- Endocrine diseases: Hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus and Cushing’s disease can raise lipids.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can both cause and be worsened by high lipids.
- Liver or kidney problems: Some chronic diseases affect fat metabolism.
- Genetic or primary hyperlipidemia: In some dogs, no other cause is found.
Why are high cholesterol and triglycerides dangerous?
In dogs, high lipids are linked to several health problems:
- Pancreatitis: High fat levels make the pancreas more likely to become inflamed – a painful and
sometimes life-threatening condition.
- Eye problems: Fat deposits in the eye can cause a cloudy appearance (lipid keratopathy) and
sometimes affect vision.
- Liver and gall bladder issues: Liver enzymes and bile flow may be disturbed.
- Nervous system issues: Very severe hyperlipidemia has been linked with seizures in some dogs.
Even if your dog looks normal, very high lipids silently increase the risk of these diseases.
What signs might you see at home?
Many dogs show no obvious signs at first. When complications develop, you may notice:
- Vomiting, reduced appetite or abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis)
- Lethargy and weakness
- Cloudy eyes or white/chalky spots in the cornea
- Weight gain and low energy
- Seizures (in rare, severe cases)
Because signs are non-specific, blood tests are essential to confirm high lipids and look for the
underlying cause.
Which tests are used to detect high lipid?
Your veterinarian will usually advise:
- Fasting biochemistry profile: Measures cholesterol, triglycerides and other organ values.
- CBC (Complete Blood Count): Checks red and white blood cells and platelets.
- Additional tests depending on the case – thyroid profile, blood sugar, urine test, pancreas-specific tests, etc.
🧪 Important: For accurate lipid measurement, your dog should usually fast for 8–12 hours
(only water allowed) before the blood sample is collected. Follow your vet’s instructions carefully.
How is high lipid in dogs treated?
Treatment depends on both the height of the lipid values and the underlying cause:
- Diet change: A low-fat prescription diet or home-cooked diet designed by your vet.
- Weight management: Gradual and healthy weight loss for overweight dogs.
- Treating underlying disease: Managing diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, liver or kidney issues.
- Medicines: In some cases, lipid-lowering drugs may be prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Monitoring: Repeat blood tests after a few weeks or months to see if lipids are coming down.
How often should you recheck lipids?
Your vet will decide based on your dog’s condition, but common schedules include:
- 4–8 weeks after starting diet or medicine, to evaluate response.
- Every 3–6 months for long-term monitoring in dogs with chronic disease.
- Yearly screening for breeds and dogs at higher risk.
High lipid in dogs in Bhopal & Madhya Pradesh
In Bhopal and across Madhya Pradesh, pet diets, indoor lifestyles and endocrine diseases are all
becoming more common. That means high lipid levels are also seen more often on lab reports.
At Pashupatinath Vet Lab in Shahpura, Bhopal we support veterinarians by:
- Performing fasting biochemistry and lipid profile tests for dogs and cats.
- Providing accurate and timely reports to help your vet decide treatment.
- Working with clinics across Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh with digital report delivery.
✅ Key message: High lipids are more than just “numbers on a report”. When identified and
treated early with proper diet, lifestyle and medical care, you can reduce the risk of serious
complications like pancreatitis and protect your dog’s long-term health.
If your dog’s report shows high cholesterol or triglycerides, discuss it calmly with your
veterinarian. Together with veterinary lab support, you can build a safe and practical plan for
your pet.
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