Chapter 15

Question 1

What are the functions of cholesterol?

Answer 1

Structural component of cell membranes and myelin
Precursor for steroid hormone synthesis

Question 2

What proportion of a) cholesterol and b) triglycerides are synthesised/derived from diet?

Answer 2

a) Almost entirely synthesised
b) Equal split

Question 3

How are cholesterol/triglycerides transported?

Answer 3

As lipoproteins

Question 4

What are the 4 types of lipoprotein?

Answer 4

Chylomicrons
VLDLs
LDLs
HDLs

Question 5

What are the functions of VLDL/LDL?

Answer 5

Transport hepatically derived TG to tissues

Question 6

What is the function of HDL?

Answer 6

Transports excess cholesterol to liver

Question 7

What are the clinical signs of hyperlipidaemia?

Answer 7

Ocular - lipaemia retinalis, arcus lipoides, lipaemic aqueous, (lipid keratopathy)
Abdominal pain
Atherosclerosis
Neurological

Question 8

What are the ddx for hyperlipidaemia? Are they predominantly associated with triglyceride or cholesterol)?

Answer 8

Primary
Secondary
- PLN (C)
- Pancreatitis (T>C)
- Hypothyroidism (T+C)
- HAC (T+C)
- DM (T+C)
- Cholestasis (C)
- Obesity
Drugs (steroids, oestrogens, cholestyramine, methimazole, phb)

Question 9

What breeds are associated with primary hyperlipidaemia? Are they predominantly associated with triglyceride or cholesterol)?

Answer 9

Dogs - T only - MS , Brittany Spaniels
C only - Rough Collies, Briards, Dobermanns, Shetland Sheepdog, Rottweilers
Mixed - Beagles
Cats - T only - DSH, Persian, Himalayan, Siamese

Question 10

If a blood sample if refrigerated for 12 hours and a creamy layer forms at the top of the sample, what is suggested?

Answer 10

The presence of chylomicrons