What does increased alkaline phosphatase mean for dogs?

What does increased alkaline phosphatase mean for 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. Hi!

Can a dog take phenobarbital with elevated ALP?

Phenobarbital can benignly cause an elevated ALP, but this medication can also cause liver damage. Because of this, it is common for veterinarians to want to do more testing on the liver if a dog has an elevated ALP and is taking phenobarbital so she can differentiate between a benign and toxic liver change.

What causes an older dog to have elevated ALP?

Another common reason for an older animal to have an elevated ALP is if they have Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is where the adrenal glands are producing more hormone then they should. These adrenal hormones influence the liver and turn on production of ALP. Certain medications can also turn on production of ALP.

What causes increase in ALP in Siberian Huskies?

Benign familial hyperphosphatasemia, a rare condition described in Siberian Huskies, is associated with increased B-ALP. Causes of increased total ALP activity can be classified as: 1).

Why does my dog have high ALK-P?

If your dog isn’t drinking a lot, or showing any other symptoms, that high Alk-P is most likely not cushings. What else can cause an Alk-P to elevate while the other liver enzymes stay the same?

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 ALK-P for a dachshund?

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 does it mean when a dog has high ALT?

ALT (Alanine aminotransferase ): ALT is an enzyme that is present in the liver, kidneys, and intestines. High ALT in dogs can be an indicator of liver cell damage, so it should always be a sign to look deeper for serious liver damage. ALP (Alkaline phosphatase): ALP is an enzyme that is found in highest concentration in the liver and the bone.

What kind of enzymes are elevated in Cushing’s disease?

Serum liver enzyme elevation – is usually characterized with an elevated alkaline phosphatase level (from steroid-induced hepatic isoenzyme induction). ALT, AST, and BSP retention can also be slightly to moderately elevated. Serum bilirubin and albumin levels are always normal in Cushing’s.

What kind of dog is at risk for Cushing’s disease?

Affected dogs develop symptoms that are identical to those of the tumor-based disease. This form resolves once the steroids are stopped. Certain breeds are at a higher risk of developing CD. The Poodle, Dachshund, Boston Terrier, Boxer, and Beagle are some breeds to watch.

When to do ACTH STIM for a dog with Cushings disease?

Typically one starts at the low end of the dose (1-2mg/kg SID to BID) and works up from there. After about a week or two of therapy, the 1-hour ACTH stim is done to assess if the dog’s cortisol levels are appropriate. The owner is also questioned to see if the clinical signs have improved or resolved.

How old is a 10 to 12 year old dog?

Depending on the breed and size of the dog, 10 to 12 years is considered late middle age and the beginning of the elderly years. Physical and Mental Development A 10- to 12-year-old dog, depending on his size and individual variation, is roughly the equivalent of a 60- to 90-year-old person.