What Does Cholesterol Mean in Dogs and Cats?
Quick answer
Cholesterol is a fat in the blood used to build cells and hormones. In pets, high cholesterol is usually a sign of something else, such as a recent meal, low thyroid function, Cushing's disease, diabetes, or certain liver or kidney conditions. Low cholesterol can reflect poor absorption or liver problems.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a lipid made by the liver and absorbed from food.
Reference range
[Range pending sourced table] Reference ranges vary by lab and species. Use the range printed on your pet's report.
What can raise Cholesterol
- Recent meal
- Hypothyroidism
- Cushing's disease
- Diabetes
- Bile flow problems
- Some kidney conditions
What can lower Cholesterol
- Poor gut absorption
- Liver dysfunction
- Some gut conditions
Dogs vs cats
In dogs
Some breeds, such as miniature schnauzers, are prone to high blood fats.
In cats
High cholesterol in cats is less common and usually linked to another condition.
Why one value rarely tells the whole story
Cholesterol in pets is usually a clue to another condition rather than a problem on its own. Hydration, recent meals, stress during the visit, medications, and how the sample was handled can all shift a result. Vets look at the whole panel, your pet's symptoms, and the trend across tests over time.
Conventional interpretation
Vets look for an underlying cause such as hormone or liver conditions.
Whole-pet context
Diet fat content, treats, and weight are worth reviewing with your vet.
Supportive options are not a cure. Check with your veterinarian before adding any supplement.
Questions to ask your vet
- Was my pet fasted?
- Should we test thyroid function?
- Could another condition explain this?
- How does this compare with my pet's previous results?
Frequently asked questions
Do pets get heart disease from cholesterol?
- Not in the way people do; high cholesterol usually points to another condition.
Should my pet fast before testing?
- Fasting helps avoid meal effects. Follow your vet's instructions.
What is a normal Cholesterol range?
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory, analyzer, and species. Use the range printed on your pet's report and ask your vet how your pet's result compares.
Should Cholesterol be rechecked?
- Your veterinarian decides based on how far from range the value is, your pet's symptoms, and other results. Trends over time are often more useful than one result.
Related lab values
Related guides
Educational support only. Not a diagnosis or substitute for veterinary care.
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