CHOLESTEROL, HDL

Description

The HDL Cholesterol test measures high-density lipoprotein levels in your pet’s blood. Dogs and cats are naturally HDL-dominant animals, meaning HDL constitutes the majority of their circulating cholesterol — unlike in humans where LDL typically dominates. This fundamental difference makes the HDL test a unique and valuable diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine.

Research shows that the Total Cholesterol-to-HDL ratio (TC/HDL) is an excellent biomarker for metabolic health in dogs. A TC/HDL ratio above 3 strongly correlates with endocrine diseases such as Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism), hypothyroidism, and gallbladder mucocele in dogs. In cats, a high TC/HDL ratio has been associated with diabetes mellitus. This ratio is considered the first validated indicator of endocrine disease using HDL in veterinary patients.

Elevated HDL is typically benign in dogs and cats. However, monitoring HDL levels alongside total cholesterol helps evaluate lipid metabolism, response to dietary therapy, and management of hyperlipidemia-related conditions.

At Home Petcare offers convenient at-home HDL Cholesterol testing in Hyderabad. Blood samples are collected by our trained veterinary team and sent to a certified diagnostic laboratory for accurate, clinically relevant results.