What do elevated liver values in dogs mean? The liver has so many jobs–elevated liver enzymes are a common finding. Diagnosing the problem can be a challenge.
Viva was adopted when she was 5 years old. She has battled with several health issues over time. In the care of her new family, she has improved remarkably.
Just when her dad figured they had everything under control something new showed up.
Viva’s liver values were elevated.
More accurately, it was Viva’s alkaline phosphatase (ALP) that was above the normal range.
When ALP is elevated in mature dogs, most causes are associated with a primary or secondary liver problem that prevents the normal flow of bile.
Ron Hines DVM PhD
Some of the potential causes of ALP elevation include
- hypothyroidism
- elevated cortisol levels (Cushing’s disease, certain medications)
- toxins
- inflammatory conditions
- pancreatitis
- infections
- and other causes
Source: 2nd Chance Info
Viva’s ALP elevation was nothing crazy, nothing that would immediately warrant concern. Many things can change liver values, some of them temporarily. Together with their veterinarian, Viva’s dad decided to monitor where they go and whether they might settle to normal over time.
Other symptoms
Then Viva also became lethargic and lost interest in play. Another blood test showed that Viva’s liver values not only did not improve but exploded to a really high level.
Now it was clear it was important to get to the bottom of it.
The reasons for that could have been many. A routine blood work measures more than one type of liver enzymes and which levels are elevated can help to nail down the cause. However, toxins, infections, certain medications, actual liver disease, gallbladder problems, metabolic and hormonal disorders, even cancer. And that’s just a rough list.
The main liver enzyme that was out of control on Viva’s blood work was the alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
What do you make of these things? What would you do it it was your dog?
Read Viva’s story here.
Related articles:
What’s in the Blood
Further reading:
Canine liver enzymes—so many questions!