Medications to Treat Canine Hyperlipidemia

Feeding your dog a steady diet of table scraps or high-fat meals can have far-reaching consequences. Fatty meals are one cause of canine hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol. Additional causes include kidney disease, thyroid problems, diabetes or pancreatitis. Symptoms include seizures, problems with the nervous system, skin abnormalities and abdominal pain. Treatment with medication is only prescribed if nutritional therapy and supplementation are unsuccessful in controlling high cholesterol levels.

  1. Nutritional Therapy

    • Nutritional therapy is the first line of treatment for canine hyperlipidemia. According to Newman Veterinary Services, a low-fat diet that contains between 7 and 9 percent of fat will be prescribed. Your vet will want to re-check your dog's blood chemistry in approximately four weeks. If your dog's cholesterol is still abnormal, your vet will recommend a no-fat diet and nutritional supplementation.

      According to the Whole Dog Journal, prebiotics may help to decrease cholesterol and triglycerides in canines. Prebiotics are a type of carbohydrate that pass through the gastrointestinal system without being digested and aid the intestines in growing beneficial bacteria. Additionally, supplementing your dog's diet with fish oil such as EPA oil or salmon oil may decrease the cholesterol and triglycerides in your dog's blood. According to Newman Veterinary Services, marine fish oil dosages of 10 to 200 mg per day or one menhaden fish oil capsule for every 10 pounds of your dog's body weight are recommended per day.

      While nutritional supplements are widely available over the counter and do not require a prescription, you should consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplement.

    Niacin

    • Niacin, a B vitamin, is naturally produced in plants and animals. A lack of sufficient niacin levels in the body can contribute to high cholesterol levels. According to Newman Veterinary Medical Services, niacin can reduce the canine body's production of cholesterol and triglycerides. Doses range from 25 to 100 mg per day.

    Chitosan

    • Chitosan is a type of fiber that comes from shellfish. Chitosan has a positive charge that attracts fat molecules from within the intestine, preventing the dog from absorbing fats. By reducing fat absorption, chitosan can also reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Doses range from 150 to 300 mg, given 30 minutes before feeding.

    Cholestyramine

    • According to Newman Veterinary Medical Services, cholesterol-lowering medications such as cholestyramine may be recommended in cases of idiopathic hypercholesterolemia. The condition is characterized by deposits of cholesterol in soft tissues such as corneas. Cholestyramine supports the dog's ability to eliminate excess cholesterol levels and block the liver from producing cholesterol.