Originally Posted by kjc  This is really no fault of yours. You couldn't have prevented it no matter what you would/could have done. And, all drugs have side effects, some bad, some not so bad. These types of situations are impossible to predict, even for your vet, without doing thousands of dollars worth of testing, for no apparent reasons. There is no way you could have researched Doxycycline and taken into account all the variables to come up with forseeing this outcome.
In short, almost all liver disease is treated the same way: usually protein restricted diet (less junk for the liver to remove), and homeopathic therapy (liver support: Denamarin or similar medication), and time to allow the liver to heal itself. The Denamarim prevents free-radicals from causing cell death, and helps the liver in cell regeneration.
Did they do a CBC? Were any microcytic cells noted?
Your vet really needs to interpret these results, because certain combinations of these liver enzymes being elevated and how far elevated is what they look at. It is very good that the ALT has dropped considerably. My understanding is that the liver is clearing whatever is affecting it (possible toxin= anything that does not agree with and causes harm to the liver cells).
Something you need to understand: The liver, pancreas, and gall bladder all work closely together. These liver enzymes can indicate a problem in any one of these organs, depending on the combination and elevations. So this can be a major factor in the difficulty of narrowing down the exact cause.
Another thing: toxic plants and steroids (pills or topically applies creams) can affect the ALP.
Has the vet done an ultrasound? This may help to see what's happening with the gall bladder, as stones can cause a blockage and increase ALP, and other organs.
And the big 'C'. We all think about this and no one likes to talk about it, but Please remember that tumors can be benign, and may cause changes which may be detected on an ultrasound.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism can also raise the ALP.
I hope I haven't confused you further. I am still researching alot of this stuff in relation to my own dog, who has LS.
I do know exactly how you are feeling. I was wracking my brain for weeks, maybe months, trying to figure things out, and thinking I hurt my dog by feeding her the wrong food/treats/supplements/not watching her close enough...etc. Panic mode, basically. It's a scary place to be, and no one gives you the answers you are looking for. I even paid the 'Ask-A-Vet' online service!
Please relax a little. I know how these lab numbers can freak a person out. The most you can do, you're doing it. Proper food and meds for liver support.
Liver disease/problems are slow to be diagnosed... it's more a process, where most tests tell you right off what's wrong, like high white cell count means an infection, or specific tests for other disease like Lymes or heartworm, you know right away. Liver stuff is more complicated, and takes a combination of a few different tests, and repeated bloodwork to narrow things down.
And realize too, this may end up as something that needs to be managed, like MVD, where there is no cure, per say, but with proper care, diet, meds, you can maintain a quality and quantity of life. I think this was my major frustration. Tell me what it is so we can fix it. Just know, some things can't be fixed, but you learn how to live with them.
When my Mom visits, she always asks,"Which one is the sick one?" And, so far, I've always been able to say "It's that one, the one running around like a nut, jumping up, wanting to give kisses, bringing the toys out to play, and barking like a maniac!" And she says "Are you sure?" |