Lipid Aqueous

Lipid Aqueous results in a clouded appearance of the eye and is caused by a high concentration of lipids (the fatty substance in the cells) collecting in the aqueous humor (the thick watery substance located inside of the eye between the lens and cornea).  This can occur in a pet of any age, gender, or breed.

Clinical signs of lipid aqueous include:

A thorough physical and ocular examination will be performed on your pet, considering the background history of symptoms and possible incidents that might have led to this condition.

Lipid Aqueous often results from a condition of hyperlipidemia (fat in the blood), and simultaneous breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier due to uveitis (inflammation in the eye). Hyperlipidemia may also destabilize the blood-aqueous barrier directly.  The breakdown of this barrier allows lipids to leak out of the bloodstream and into the eye.  High levels of lipids in the circulating blood following a meal may occasionally result in the appearance of lipid aqueous, if uveitis is present.

Lipid Aqueous requires treatment for the associated uveitis, which is usually mild, and for any underlying metabolic disorders.  If your pet is diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, you will need to change the pet’s diet to one that is lower in fat and calories, to decrease the amount of fat in the bloodstream. Your pet will also need anti-inflammatory medications to be given at home.

Your veterinary ophthalmologist will continue to monitor your pet closely after the initial treatment.  Intraocular (within the eyes) pressure should be monitored to detect possible secondary glaucoma.  The frequency of subsequent rechecks will be dictated by the severity of the disease and your dog’s individual response to treatment.

The prognosis is typically good for these patients, but it does depend heavily on the underlying condition that may have contributed to the Lipid Aqueous.  The condition generally responds quickly (within 24–72 hours) to moderate anti-inflammatory therapy.  Keep in mind that recurrence, and the need for further treatment, is possible.

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