Before
we discuss the symptoms of elevated liver enzymes in dogs it is first
important to discuss what the Liver does and how it functions as this
organ is of course a very important factor when a dog has high enzyme
levels...
The Liver's main function is to produce a substance called Bile - this
helps support the digestive system enabling the digestive system to
work effectively. The Liver is also responsible for helping to regulate
and store how carbohydrates are utilized by a dogs body. The Liver is
found in the abdominal area where the collective name is 'Viscera'.
This organ also helps with the mobilization of body fat, the
detoxification and excretion of toxic substances. Proteins that are
found in the blood are also synthesized by this very important organ.
If that wasn't enough the Liver also helps to keep a dogs temperature
stable and at a even temperature.
...So
What Causes Elevated Liver Enzymes in Dogs...?
A Dogs Liver needs to function effectively otherwise you can expect
your dog to have some serious health conditions and course some
upsetting symptoms. As previously mentioned the Liver helps to filter
toxins, remove waste matter though poop and it also stores very
important vitamins including A, D. E and K that are fat soluble.
If your dog's Liver stops working properly then it is unable to perform
these important functions i.e. getting rid of waste and toxins. Of
course enzymes are utilized by your dog to undertake these tasks - if
the Liver is unable to keep the enzymes stable and level then they
become elevated and high. If they become too elevated rather than
slightly y high your dog's body will
start to react negatively to the process - with nasty symptoms and
sometimes serious health problems.
Enzymes that are sometimes secreted by the Liver when an infection,
trauma, disease or problems affecting the blood supply have caused
liver cells to die include SCPT (Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase).
If a dog's serum levels have increased to such a high level then a
dog's gastrointestinal tract may become inflamed - other
illnesses can include Anemia and even
congestive
heart failure.
It is also not unusual for certain medications to increase ASTY levels
particularly Glucosteroids and Anticonvulsants. Also if the bile ducts
have become obstructed then enzymes such as CGT (Gamma-Glutamyl
Transpeptidase) can become elevated.
...Are
there Any Other Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes in Dogs...?
- Elevated liver enzymes
in dogs can sometimes be caused by metabolic diseases - this refers to
obesity (causing fat to be deposited in the Liver), Diabetes and thyroid
problems in dogs.
- Another cause of the
condition is cushings
disease.
- Other causes of
elevated liver enzymes in dogs can include parasitic infections like
Herpes - this directly affects the Liver and can cause the
liver to produce more enzymes to fight the infection and help get rid
of the parasites.
- Canine
Pancreatitis is another cause of
the illness.
- As previously
mentioned some medications can also cause the condition.
- If your dog's liver
has become unable to remove Bilirubin (which is a bi-waste product
produced when the liver breaks down Hemoglobin - this can cause
Jaundice another cause of elevated liver enzymes in dogs.
Symptoms
of Elevated Liver Enzymes in Dogs...
- Your dog may start vomiting
or experience diarrhea.
- Another
relatively common symptom of the illness is constipation
- (a very unpleasant experience for a dog or puppy).
- Your dog may become
very tired and lethargic.
- Your dog may lose his
appetite and consequently lose weight.
- Your
dogs body may start to accumulate fluid in the abdomen.
- Anemia is another
symptom
- When
your dog poops the poop might be grey as opposed to the normal healthy
brown color.
Treatment...
As
with any health condition it is vital that you take your dog to the vet
as soon as you notice any of the above symptoms. The vet will probably
look at your dog's medical history - (for example when I took my Jack
Russell to the Vet recently because he seemed to have a
stomach
upset - the vet was able to look
back at his medical notes and could see that this was a regular
occurrence and not a new medical condition.
Once the Vet has looked at your dog's medical history he/she will use
this to inform their physical examination. When dealing with high
enzyme levels the vet will probably (and
we are not medically trained) need to find the cause of the problem -
the Vet will then either prescribe antibiotics or a medication to help
support overall good health within the Liver (Denosyl is sometimes
prescribed for this). If the vet wants to change your dog's diet so
that it has less protein to digest the vet may recommend a
low
protein diet.
If the Vet thinks that your dog has a parasitic infection this will
need to be treated accordingly and with the appropriate medication - it
is worth mentioning that high sodium levels can also cause high liver
enzyme levels so it is worth considering when choosing the best dog
food for your pooch.
