Hepatic Lipidosis and Hyperlipemia
Basic Information 
Definition
• Hepatic lipidosis is a result of excess triglyceride deposition in the liver. The liver plays a critical role in lipid metabolism and is responsible for processing chylomicrons, volatile fatty acids, and free fatty acids (FFAs) when fat is mobilized from adipose tissue. When the rate of hepatic triglyceride formation exceeds the oxidation of fatty acids and release of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) into the peripheral circulation, hepatic lipidosis ensues.
• Hyperlipemia is characterized by visibly cloudy serum and serum triglyceride levels of 500 mg/dL or higher. Hyperlipidemia refers to serum triglyceride levels below 500 mg/dL. The serum remains clear, and it is not typically associated with fatty infiltration of the liver.
Epidemiology
Associated Conditions and Disorders
• Clinical signs of hepatic lipidosis can be indistinguishable from the clinical signs of liver disease or liver failure from other causes.
• Signs of the predisposing primary disease may overshadow other signs. The most commonly reported predisposing primary diseases include enterocolitis, endotoxemia, pituitary adenoma, parasitism, azotemia, and neonatal septicemia.
Clinical Presentation
Disease Forms/Subtypes
• Hyperlipidemia refers to an increased serum triglyceride concentration (typically <500 mg/dL) without the presence of lipemic (cloudy white) serum or liver disease. Hyperlipemia is characterized by cloudy serum and triglyceride concentrations of 500 mg/dL or higher. Prolonged hyperlipemia results in fatty infiltration of the liver and subsequent signs of liver disease.
