What causes elevated liver enzymes in senior dogs?
The excess adrenaline causes an increase in Alk-P, with other liver enzymes staying the same. I can’t tell you how many second opinions I get where the veterinarian did routine blood work on a healthy dog (senior screen, pre-anesthetic for a dental, etc), found a mild-moderate increase in Alk-P, and wants to diagnose cushings.
When to look for elevated liver enzymes in children?
ALT and AST (liver enzymes or transaminases) are normally present in the body and in the blood. Elevated liver enzymes in children are often found during a routine blood test. Elevated liver enzymes are a warning sign of possible liver damage, irritation or inflammation.
What causes elevated ALK-P in older dogs?
But I can’t tell you how many healthy older dogs have mild-moderate increases in Alk-P and it never amounts to anything. There is a syndrome called vacuolar hepatopathy that can only be diagnosed on liver biopsy, but is common in older dogs…and doesn’t really do anything except cause these changes on the bloodwork.
Why does my dog have a wonky liver?
The usual culprit is an enzyme called Alkaline Phosphatase, or Alk-Phos, or Alk-P. I commonly see this enzyme rise in older dogs that have no symptoms. The other liver enzymes always seem to be behaving – it’s just this one that’s wonky.
The excess adrenaline causes an increase in Alk-P, with other liver enzymes staying the same. I can’t tell you how many second opinions I get where the veterinarian did routine blood work on a healthy dog (senior screen, pre-anesthetic for a dental, etc), found a mild-moderate increase in Alk-P, and wants to diagnose cushings.
Why does my Sheltie have high liver enzymes?
These are some allergic reaction to amoxicillin, and high liver enzymes my 5 year old sheltie was recently diagnosed with low thyroid and epilepsy (on Phenabarbitral). About a month ago he stopped eating and had a fever of 104. Since then he has been urinating a lot, drinking a lot. I had his blood taken to check thyroid and his liver enzymes.
What can I give my Dog to lower his liver enzymes?
For us we really thought it was worth trying, and we are sure glad we did! This is so true, and thanks for adding this. Milk Thistle is a wonderful herb for the liver. It does work wonders to lower the enzyme levels. It is also considered a safe herb when taken correctly, both for humans and dogs.
But I can’t tell you how many healthy older dogs have mild-moderate increases in Alk-P and it never amounts to anything. There is a syndrome called vacuolar hepatopathy that can only be diagnosed on liver biopsy, but is common in older dogs…and doesn’t really do anything except cause these changes on the bloodwork.