Elevated liver enzymes? 1 Attachment(s) Eddie’s annual blood work came back with elevated liver enzymes. Is anyone familiar with these numbers? Vet didn’t seem overly concerned. Prescribed Denamarin and we’ll retest in 6 months. She did say the “aggressive” approach would be to do an ultrasound, and that’s what I’m wrestling with. Wondering if I should. Some history: Eddie is 13 and in otherwise great health. Another vet tried him on lonterm Rimadyl a year ago. His liver enzyme count went up with twice a day Rimadyl but went down when we cut him back to 1 a day. Still high at 178. So I pulled him off Rimadyl except for occasionally — once a month or so. I was surprised this time, a year later, when his number went up to the 300s. I was hoping it would have gone down since Si discontinued the Rimadyl. So my question for anyone still reading who has knowledge on this: are these numbers high enough for me to consider an ultrasound now? Or should I wait 3-6 months to see if numbers go down? Thanks in advance! |
Bump if anyone has any info. |
I see elevated ALT frequently and usually just repeat them in a few weeks because they do tend to go back down quickly. I might be a bit more concerned about the elevated Alk Phos as that is often elevated in dogs with Cushings. Did the vet mention that at all? If not you might want to ask him...It could be liver, too. Not sure about an ultrasound right away if Eddie is feeling ok. I think I would ask the vet about Cushings and if he thinks it isn't that, then ask him what he thinks about the ultrasound. I just don't know that it is going to show a lot. |
Does he have any symptoms of Cushings? Drinking a lot of water, panting, maybe a chubby belly? |
Thanks for weighing in! No, I don't see any of those symptoms. I'll ask her about the Alk Phos and Cushings. Thanks. |
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Thank you for starting a discussion about this. Capone is 7 and has had elevated ALT liver enzymes for the last 4 year around 250-298. It worries me sick, one vet said she would not recommend and further testing but my vet that I am currently using said she thinks I should do an ultrasound. They both told me that the fact it has not changed significantly over the last few years is a good thing. I still am concerned enough to want to find out the root of the problem. |
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It probably is not but the test is easy on them and inexpensive...definitely something I would do before an ultrasound. My Teddy Bear had a shunt that was not picked up until he was an adult...amazingly he never had elevated enzymes....here is a link about his shunt: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...ver-shunt.html Here is a great link about liver issues: https://vetmed.tennessee.edu/vmc2/Do...D-Brochure.pdf |
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Sorry for not getting right back to you. Vet didn't get back to me right away and then when she did I forgot about this thread! She didn't think Cushings was a concern for lack of any other symptoms. She also thought it was too early to discuss any changes in diet. I'm due for a 3-month follow up since she put him Denamarin. I'll ask about the acid bile test when I bring him back in. Meanwhile, his spirits are still good and no outward symptoms. Thanks for the links. I will check them out. |
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So glad he is doing well. One of the specialists I use told me once that you treat the dog, not the labs. :) |
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I agree with your previous vet...I see slightly elevated ALT in yorkies a lot that often does not mean much; but, if they remain elevated, I believe it is always wise to do BATs just to be on the safe side. |
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