Hyperlipidemia in Equine, Canine and Feline

Hyperlipidemia is defined by the presence of elevated lipid concentrations in blood and are typically associated with periods of negative energy balance and physiologic stress. This increase in circulating lipids represent a normal physiologic response that serves to mobilize the energy reserves present in the fat depots of the body, but under certain circumstances, this response can become exaggerate and inappropriate. In increased concentration, circulating lipids typically occur in the triglyceride form and moderate increases in serum triglyceride concentration can lead to minor complications, with the most common being anorexia and depression. Increasing triglyceride concentration can interfere with numerous normal physiological functions, particularly in regard to reducing insulin sensitivity, this interference result in exacerbation of hyperlipidemias by impairing ability of the body to limit fat mobilization, leading to worsening of lipid accumulation and severe complication, including renal and hepatic lipidosis even death. Insulin resistant individuals are at risk for hyperlipidemias, with the most commonly affected animals being ponies, miniature horses and donkeys.