Poor diet and genetic disposition can lead to high triglyceride levels in dogs. The elevated stored fat can cause other health problems for your dog. Though it's easy to treat, prevention is the key to avoiding this condition.
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What are Triglycerides?
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"Triglycerides" refers to fat stored in food and in the dog's body. Along with cholesterol, the triglycerides form plasma lipids. Triglycerides in plasma are derived from fats eaten in foods or made in the body from other energy sources, such as carbohydrates. If your dog eats too many calories, the triglycerides are stored in his or her cells as fat.
Causes
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High triglycerides in dogs can be caused by consuming too many calories, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, pregnancy or genetics. If left untreated, high triglycerides and cholesterol can lead to the same problems for dogs as they do for humans, including obesity, heart disease and shortened lifespan. Some breeds are more prone than others.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of high triglycerides in canines include seizures, abdominal pain, patches on the skin, and yellowish-orange bumps on the skin filled with a greasy liquid. See your veterinarian for an official diagnosis.
Treatment
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The most common form of treatment for high triglycerides in dogs is a dietary change. Your vet will probably recommend a special low-fat diet. In some cases, a medication may also be prescribed.
Prevention
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To prevent high triglycerides in dogs, make sure your Fido is getting a high-quality, relatively low-fat diet and plenty of exercise. Again, these steps are very similar to what you would do to make sure you and your family members are healthy.
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