Hyperlipoproteinemia

Hyperlipoproteinemia is a condition that interferes with how the blood carries fats. Some forms are mild, producing symptoms that can be cured by diet, while other are potentially fatal.

There five types of hyperlipoproteinemia each of which has distinctive symptoms. Type I causes attacks of severe abdominal pain which usually occur when a person or animal eats fatty foods. It may also cause loss of appetite and fever and pinkish yellow deposits on the skin.

Type II causes firm masses on the tendons of limbs and premature coronary heart disease.

Type II can produce soft, inflamed sores on the pressure points (elbows and knees), yellow patches and nodules on the skin and clogging of arteries.

Type IV is linked to obesity and diabetes. Type V most commonly causes abdominal pain, and multiple yellow to white patches, plaques or nodules on the skin called xanthomas, and liver problems. The xanthomas most often occur on the neck, face, tips of the ears, elbows and tail.

About some forms of hypothyroidism are familial, the associated hyperlipoproteinemia is also familial.

Treatment of all of types of hyperlipoproteinemia requires strict control of obesity, diabetes and total fat intake. In some cases drug therapy is needed, or even surgery.

Miniature-schnauzers and Beagles seem to be predisposed to this condition.