Primary hyperlipidemia with associated ischemic strokes in a West Highland white terrier dog

A 3-year-old spayed female, West Highland white terrier dog was evaluated because of a 4-month history of recurrent brain clinical signs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multifocal brain lesions consistent with ischemic injuries. Blood analysis was unremarkable aside from severe hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia with no underlying cause, suggesting primary hyperlipidemia. The patient was treated for hyperlipidemia and started on a low-fat diet and omega-3 supplementation. Clinical signs resolved over the following 12 months along with improvement in lipidemia. This represents the first reported case of MRI findings suggestive of multiple cerebrovascular injuries associated with primary hyperlipidemia in a dog, and the first primary hyperlipidemia reported in a West Highland white terrier dog.