What is a high ALP level in dogs?
An increase in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is a common laboratory finding in dogs. It is typically used as a diagnostic marker for cholestatic liver disease. However, increased ALP activity has a high sensitivity (86%) but poor specificity (49%) for canine liver disease. Shutterstock.com.
What should a dog’s ALP be?
The normal range for this enzyme is 5–160 U/L. It is common to see this enzyme become very elevated in dogs that are otherwise acting normally. I have some patients that have an ALP in the 1,000–2,000 range and clinically appear healthy. There are a variety of reasons that the liver will make more ALP enzyme.
What is ALP in dog bloodwork?
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that is found in your dog’s bloodstream. We commonly refer to this enzyme as ALP or ALK PHOS. There are three versions of the enzyme: 1) Bone‐ALP, 2) Liver‐ALP, and 3) Corticosteroid induced‐ALP. How common is high ALP? A high ALP value is a very common lab finding.
What is ALP normal range?
The normal range is 44 to 147 international units per liter (IU/L) or 0.73 to 2.45 microkatal per liter (µkat/L). Normal values may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. They also can vary with age and sex. High levels of ALP are normally seen in children undergoing growth spurts and in pregnant women.
What happens if ALP is high?
ALP is an enzyme found throughout the body, but it is mostly found in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. When the liver is damaged, ALP may leak into the bloodstream. High levels of ALP can indicate liver disease or bone disorders.
How can I lower my dog’s liver enzymes?
Diet changes often help. Your dog may need a special diet to make sure they are getting the nutrients and calories needed to help their liver. Supplements such as SAM-E or milk thistle may help the liver recover. Antibiotics are used for infections of the liver.
What causes low ALP in dogs?
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) Gall bladder disease. Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) Liver failure.
Are ALP and ALKP the same?
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP, ALKP, ALPase, Alk Phos) (EC 3.1. 3.1), or basic phosphatase, is a homodimeric protein enzyme of 86 kilodaltons.
Does ALP increase with age?
In adults, values are slightly higher in men than in women, but after age 60 years, the enzyme value is equal or higher in women. Concentrations are increased during puberty and pregnancy and after menopause.
What causes high ALP levels?
The most common causes of high ALP levels include: liver conditions, often bile duct obstructions. gallbladder conditions, usually gallstones. bone conditions, such as abnormal growths and occasionally cancers.
What’s the normal range for ALKP in dogs?
Normal range is considered to be 5 to 107. Off the charts range is 2,000 to 4,000+ ALKP (or ALP) (alkaline phosphatase). Whereas AST and ALT are elevated when there has been damage to liver cells, ALKP becomes elevated when the flow of bile from the liver to the gall bladder to the intestines is hindered.
Where are ALT enzymes located in a dog?
Like AST, the ALT enzyme resides within the dog’s liver cells and is released into the blood with cell damage. Unlike AST, it is fairly specific for liver damage, as it is not produced by other organs in the dog’s body. Normal range is considered to be 5 to 107. Off the charts range is 2,000 to 4,000+ ALKP (or ALP) (alkaline phosphatase).
What is the normal liver enzyme level in a dog?
Especially as your dog ages, it’s important to know its normal liver enzyme levels. Many veterinarians have comprehensive “senior panels” that they can run on your pet, which will include liver enzymes.
What does elevated ALP mean in a dog?
While ALP can be elevated in growing puppies, an elevated ALP count can point to liver complications once a dog reaches adulthood. GGT (Gamma glutamyl transferase): GGT is an enzyme that is often considered one of the most sensitive indicators of liver or bile disease.
Especially as your dog ages, it’s important to know its normal liver enzyme levels. Many veterinarians have comprehensive “senior panels” that they can run on your pet, which will include liver enzymes.
While ALP can be elevated in growing puppies, an elevated ALP count can point to liver complications once a dog reaches adulthood. GGT (Gamma glutamyl transferase): GGT is an enzyme that is often considered one of the most sensitive indicators of liver or bile disease.
What’s the normal ALK-P for a dog?
The other liver enzymes always seem to be behaving – it’s just this one that’s wonky. The normal range depends on the lab your veterinarian uses, but most consider anything up to 130 or so as normal. It’s not a shock at all to see a dog have an Alk-P of 200, even 400. My old dachshund mix has had an Alk-P over 300 for the last 3 years.
What’s the normal range for alkaline phosphatase in dogs?
(Copper storage disease is a condition in which the body traps copper in the liver). A normal range for this enzyme is around 18–120 U/L (normal ranges vary by lab) and mild elevation in this enzyme is not uncommon, especially in older animals.