Elevated Triglycerides in Cats

Cats can suffer from elevated triglycerides.

Triglycerides are a type of fat molecule or lipid. Even though elevated lipid levels are not a common problem in cats, on occasion cats will develop elevated lipid levels known as hyperlipidemia.

Identification

Hyperlipidemia presents a range of symptoms from none to lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, acute pancreatitis, hair loss, seizures, and inflammation inside one or both eyes causing them to look cloudy.

Diagnosis

A complete blood count, biochemistry panel (including triglyceride and cholesterol measurements), urinalysis and hormonal function test are run to confirm the diagnosis of hyperlipidemia and identify any underlying illnesses.

Treatment

Treatment consists of managing any underlying diseases that may be causing the hyperlipidemia. Additionally, high-fiber, low-fat diets are prescribed to reduce the lipids in the blood.

Prognosis

If the hyperlipidemia is secondary to an underlying disease, the prognosis of the patient will be tied to that disease. Primary hyperlipidemia will have to be managed for the life of your cat with diet modifications and/or medication.

Considerations

Some medication can cause elevated levels of lipids in your cat's blood. You will want to provide your veterinarian with a list of all the medications your cat takes before she begins to search for a cause of the hyperlipidemia.

References

• Veterinary Partner: Hyperlipidemia
• Veterinary Information Network, 28th World Congress of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, Hyperlipidaemia in Dogs and Cats
• DVM360, Hyperlipidemia in Dogs and Cats