High cholesterol is a huge issue that many adults today face. However, many people tend to neglect their pets when it comes to this health concern. Dogs can suffer from high cholesterol and it is important that the owner be aware of the disease's symptoms and how to prevent it.
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About
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High cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia, is caused by high amounts of fat in the bloodstream. These fatty substances can build up in the bloodstream and clog major arteries putting your dog at risk for many health problems.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of high cholesterol in dogs include abdominal pain, seizures, and may include skin patches and yellowish, lipid-filled bumps on the skin (cutaneous xanthomata).
Causes
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Sometimes high cholesterol in dogs is hereditary, but other causes are excessively fatty diet, kidney problems, inflammation of the pancreas and a slow functioning thyroid.
Treatment
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The veterinarian will conduct tests on your dog to see if some other underlying problem is the cause of high cholesterol. The vet may recommend that your dog have a low fat diet.
Prevention
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Make sure the dog consumes healthy, low fat food and gets plenty of exercise. If any of the aforementioned symptoms materialize, take your dog to a veterinarian.
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