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Disorders of Lipid Metabolism 557

ment is the most reasonable, economical means of controlling this potentially serious condition, 2) dietary fat restriction would be
a life-long requirement, if treatment were successful and 3) even a single high-fat meal (e.g., eating from the trash) could acutely
VetBooks.ir exacerbate clinical signs and cause pancreatitis.

The patient was reexamined after consuming the veterinary therapeutic food for three weeks to assess dietary compliance and
serum triglyceride levels. A fasting (overnight) blood sample was collected. The serum triglyceride (uncleared) concentration was
determined and compared to that obtained during the initial examination (Table 1).
Results suggested excellent dietary control of the hyperlipidemic state and good dietary compliance. Specific drug intervention
was deemed unnecessary at the time the patient was rechecked. However, the owner was advised that although the risk of serious
illness (pancreatitis) had been markedly reduced, follow-up examinations twice yearly, including fasting triglyceride measurements,
would be a prudent course to follow.

Endnote
a. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS, USA.

Bibliography
Ford RB. Canine hyperlipidemia. In: Ettinger SJ, Feldman EC, eds. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 4th ed.
Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Co, 1995; 1414-1419.

Table 1. Serum triglyceride levels before and after three weeks of treatment with a low-fat, high-fiber veterinary therapeutic food.*

Initial level 2,350 mg/dl**
Three-week level 477 mg/dl**
*Prescription Diet w/d Canine. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc., Topeka, KS, USA.
**Uncleared specimen.