Actions for elevated alkaline phosphatase in dogs. Alt and ast are elevated, what does this mean treatment in dogs Elevated alt and ast in dogs

If something is wrong with the dog, the attentive owner notices it and takes it to the veterinarian for examination. But not all diseases can be determined purely by visual examination of the animal. In most cases, the doctor refers the patient for tests that help confirm or refute the preliminary diagnosis. In particular, such an auxiliary study is a biochemical blood test and determination of the levels of AST and ALT. Let's find out about this in detail.

Briefly about enzymes

When conducting a biochemical blood test, enzyme activity is determined. This is the name given to protein molecules that accelerate the course of basic reactions in the body. A synonym for the term “enzyme” is “enzyme”. What is an enzyme? It consists of the protein part itself (apoenzyme) and the active center (coenzyme). It is coenzymes that accelerate biochemical reactions.

All enzymes are divided into several types depending on their tasks. For example, dehydrogenases carry out reduction and oxidation, hydrolases carry out cleavage.

About elevated ALT levels

A protein molecule called ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is responsible for transferring amino acids from one molecule to another. ALT is synthesized in cells. This means that the enzyme activity in the dog’s blood is low. An increase in its level in healthy dogs can be caused by taking antibiotics, antitumor drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and valerian. Also, in domestic animals, an increase in this enzyme may indicate severe physical activity. This occurs in service dogs during the period of their active preparation for work. Also, high levels of the enzyme can be a sign of injury (impact to the liver).

It is worth noting that high ALT activity is often a specific symptom of acute liver disease. In this case, the indicators can be 5-10 times higher than the normal level. If this enzyme level is observed for a long time, then this may be a sign of a serious liver condition. We are talking about cirrhosis, hepatitis, tumors. It is these reasons that are the basis for the jump in the level of alanine aminotransferase in the body of dogs.

About increasing AST levels in dogs

The full name of this enzyme is aspartate aminotransferase. This substance is from the group of transaminases. AST transfers aspartate amino acids from one molecule to another. In newborn puppies, a two to threefold increase in the level of this enzyme is normal. If such an indicator is observed in adult dogs, then this may be evidence of hepatonecrosis, jaundice, hypoglycemia, dehydration, hypocholesterolemia and collapse.

Often it is hepatocellular necrosis that leads to an increase in AST levels in the blood of pets. This pathology, in turn, can be provoked by toxic medications in dogs. These veterinarians include Phenotoin, Primidon, Phenobarbital, benzimidazole anthelmintics, for example, Mebendazole and Oxibendazole. In addition to medications, hepatonecrosis in a pet can be caused by eating toxins, for example, fly agaric alkaloids; paracetamol; carbon tetrachloride. Late-stage liver cirrhosis in dogs and chronic active hepatitis also cause an increase in the level of the AST enzyme.

In addition to liver diseases and disruption of its functioning, increased levels of this substance can also be observed in other pathologies. Thus, severe anemia may be the cause of high aspartate aminotransferase levels in dogs; heart failure; diabetes; hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism; cholestatic disease; neoplasia.

So, when a pet has a high level of the above enzyme after conducting appropriate tests, the veterinarian must first rule out liver disease. It is more often diagnosed in older, elderly dogs who have a genetic predisposition to it. If everything is fine with this organ in the dog, then the doctor prescribes additional studies and tests, and based on their results, prescribes certain medications for the pet.

Briefly about enzymes

All enzymes are divided into several types depending on their tasks. For example, dehydrogenases carry out reduction and oxidation, hydrolases carry out cleavage.

About elevated ALT levels

About increasing AST levels in dogs

Laboratory tests are often prescribed by veterinarians to diagnose various diseases in dogs. It is difficult to figure out on your own what the numbers in the analysis table mean. In this article you will learn how many blood types dogs have and what are the normal values in a blood test.

Neutrophils and eosinophils are white bodies that are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream. They, like all leukocytes, perform a protective function. Their differences are as follows:

Neutrophils. Granulocytic leukocytes, the main function of which is phagocytosis. They are the first to react when a foreign agent enters the body. Moving towards the source of inflammation, they capture and destroy foreign cells. There are several types of neutrophils: young, band and segmented.
Eosinophils. Granulocytic leukocytes, which are also capable of phagocytosis. However, their main function is to participate in allergic reactions. Eosinophils are able to absorb and release inflammatory mediators (histamine), thus acting on foreign agents.

Video “Taking dog blood for biochemistry”

In this video, your veterinarian will share tips on how to take a blood test from your dog.

Reasons for the increase in indicators

Since both eosinophils and neutrophils are leukocytes, the main reason for the increase in their levels is inflammation.

An increased level of neutrophils (neutrophilia, neutrophilic leukocytosis) most often indicates the presence of a bacterial infection. Moreover, the localization of infection cannot be assumed only by the level of cells. Neutrophilia is just a marker that there is an infection somewhere in the body and, most likely, it is of a bacterial nature.

If a dog has increased segmented neutrophils, but young and band forms are normal, then this indicates the presence of a chronic infection. Reasons for the increase in band neutrophils in dogs (shift of the leukocyte formula to the left):

inflammatory process;
acute infectious diseases;
overexcitement;
intoxication.

If a dog has elevated eosinophils, then most often this indicates the presence of an allergic reaction or helminthic infestation. Again, the number of eosinophils does not indicate the location of the allergy or its type.

Another reason why eosinophils may increase is oncological pathology.

A biochemical blood test in dogs is aimed at identifying the location of the lesion and is more specific than a general blood test. The material for research is venous blood. The breakdown of blood biochemistry is as follows:

Glucose (normal - 3.4-6.0 mmol/l). Indicates the state of carbohydrate metabolism. The rate may increase with pathology of the pancreas and the development of diabetes mellitus. A decrease in glucose levels may indicate a pancreatic tumor (insulinoma). In addition, hypoglycemia can be a consequence of increased physical activity of the pet.
Total protein and its fractions (55.1-75.2 g/l). Characterizes the state of protein metabolism. Protein levels increase with kidney failure or excess meat component in the diet.
Cytolytic enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) - 8.2-57.3; aspartate aminotransferase (AST) - 8.9-57.3. In dogs, increased ALT occurs with liver diseases, very often with hepatitis in the cytolysis phase. AST in dogs is elevated with lesions of the heart and skeletal muscles. For example, if a dog has myocarditis, myocardial infarction or myositis.
Creatinine (44.3-138.4), urea (3.1-9.2) - indicators of the renal complex. Their level increases when the kidneys are damaged if they cannot cope with the filtration function. In this case, accumulation of nitrogen metabolism products occurs.
Bilirubin (0.9-10.6). The level of direct bilirubin is increased in cases of obstructive jaundice. For example, with cholecystitis, the presence of stones in the bile ducts. Indirect bilirubin may increase as a consequence of hemolytic anemia.
Cholesterol, triglycerides (CS - 3.3-7.0, TG - 0.56). They are indicators of lipid metabolism. Their increased content indicates the risk of developing atherosclerosis in dogs.
Alkaline phosphatase (10-150). An increase in the level of this enzyme may indicate damage to the bones, liver, and in males, the prostate gland.

A general blood test is a type of laboratory test, the results of which show the condition of the body as a whole. The material for research is venous blood. All indicators can be grouped into 4 categories:

1. Red blood indicators. They indicate the level of blood supply and how much oxygen the body receives:

hemoglobin (normal - 120-180 g/l). A decrease in hemoglobin levels indicates anemia of varying severity. This means that red blood cells do not carry enough oxygen, and the body’s cells suffer from hypoxia;
red blood cells (normal - 5.5-8.5 million/μl). A decrease in the number of red blood cells also indicates the presence of anemia. The level of red blood cells can increase for several reasons: dehydration, burns, increased hematopoiesis. In addition, erythrocytosis can be observed with kidney damage, since it is this organ that synthesizes erythropoietin;
hematocrit (37-55%). It is an indicator of the ratio of blood cells to plasma. It increases with dehydration (blood loss, diarrhea, vomiting), and decreases with anemia and pregnancy.

2. Indicators of white blood (leukocyte formula). Talks about the presence and nature of inflammation in the body.

Pet owners often go into shock after taking tests and being told by a veterinarian: “The dog’s alkaline phosphatase is elevated.” There is no need to be afraid, there can be many reasons and they do not always indicate a disease occurring in the body.

Alkaline phosphatase is involved in the metabolism of phosphoric acid, separating it from various organic compounds, and facilitating the transport of phosphorus in the body. The highest levels of alkaline phosphatase are found in bone tissue, intestinal mucosa, placental tissues and mammary glands during feeding of puppies. Normal levels of alkaline phosphatase are up to 100 units/l; in growing puppies they can be higher due to the growth of bone tissue.

Causes of phosphatase levels in dogs

An increase in serum levels is not a sign of any specific disease. To make a final diagnosis, a complete assessment of all biochemical blood parameters and other research data is required.

Elevated alkaline phosphatase in dogs depends on the use of certain medications:

steroid hormones;
anticonvulsants;
anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal).

the increase in indicators is normal when:

pregnant bitches;
healing bone fractures;
active growth of young animals.

High alkaline phosphatase in a dog occurs with the following pathologies:

hypothyroidism;
liver cirrhosis;
various types of hepatitis, including infectious;
pancreatitis;
insufficient amounts of phosphates and calcium;
cancerous tumors of the mammary glands;
osteodystrophy;
fatty food;
diabetes mellitus;
blockage or inflammation of the bile ducts;
increased vitamin C content in the diet;
neoplasms of bones, liver and gall bladder;
intestinal inflammation;
infarction of the lung or kidney (so-called “white” infarctions);
abscesses.

An elevated level of alkaline phosphatase in huskies is normal; this is one of the features of this breed.

Symptoms of a developing disease

There are no definite signs that alkaline phosphatase is elevated in dogs. Animal owners should be alert to unusual behavior and typical signs:

refusal to eat, complete loss of appetite;
lethargic state of the animal, quickly setting in fatigue;
nausea alternating with vomiting;
dark shade of urine, lightened stool;
unusual behavior of a sick pet.
identification of violations in the level of analysis is detected during diagnostic examinations.

Diagnosis of the disease

Carried out by a veterinarian when visiting the clinic:

visual examination of a sick pet;
palpation of the abdominal cavity to detect liver enlargement and painful manifestations;
a thorough examination of the coat, its condition is assessed;
collection of anamnestic data on the dog’s diet: quantity, types of products and whether there were cases of feeding prohibited types (sweets, etc.);
referral for ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity;
taking a biochemical blood test, the result of which will make it possible to make the correct diagnosis.

With a stable increase in this indicator, the owner will be offered hospitalization of the pet for a full examination and prescription of the necessary treatment.

Preparing the animal for biochemical analysis

The analysis requires special preparation of the pet.

The owner is warned that the dog must spend at least 8 hours before delivery without feeding. Any food - store-bought, homemade - changes the final results, so it is better not to feed the animal, so as not to repeat the procedure;

a few days before the manipulation, you should reduce physical activity - avoid training with a dog handler and long walks;
If you are undergoing medication treatment, you must notify your doctor. Drugs affect the final data, and the veterinarian will select the best time to undergo the study;

All procedural processes are carried out in an accelerated manner to reduce the animal’s stress. Serious stressful situations can significantly change the indicators of this laboratory test, so the presence of the owner is necessary when taking tests.

Treatment of a sick animal

An increased concentration of alkaline phosphatase is not an independent disease; after identifying the factor that influenced the change in laboratory data, symptomatic treatment is carried out.

Therapy is aimed at treating a specific disease, after which all indicators usually return to normal. In difficult cases, the diseased organ is sometimes removed in order to save the pet’s life.

Depending on the specific type of disease, the necessary treatment is carried out. Drug treatment is prescribed exclusively by the attending physician; any independent measure (tablets, injections) can lead to the death of the dog.

Diet during treatment and rehabilitation

Altered alkaline phosphatase in dogs requires a specific feeding approach. The animal must be fed with its usual diet, without changing it in any way. Completely exclude canned food - during this period the body denies canning;

A sharp change in usual climatic conditions will worsen your health, so until complete recovery you need to avoid moving and going on vacation;
Avoid creating stress in your pet - any conflict situation will negatively affect the general condition;
Walking should take place at a calm pace, without unnecessary stress;

If the veterinarian has recommended a certain diet, its conditions must be strictly followed. The slightest changes in diet can lead to refusal to eat and subsequent death.

Preventive actions

To avoid increasing the level of alkaline phosphatase, owners of four-legged friends must comply with the following standards:

undergo a veterinary examination at least once every six months followed by tests;
exclude from the animal’s diet foods prohibited by dog handlers - fatty, sweet foods;
monitor the general condition of the dog - the color of feces and urine;
carry out the prevention of rickets in young individuals;
check the mammary glands of lactating bitches;
do not create additional stress for the animal - rude attitude, use of physical violence;
the pet’s daily diet must strictly comply with the nutritional standards of the breed;
Animal feed must include all necessary minerals and vitamins, but not exceed standard values.

A timely visit to a veterinary clinic at the slightest change in behavior and general condition of the body will allow you to quickly diagnose the disease and carry out appropriate treatment. Refusal of veterinary care always leads to inevitable results - the transition of diseases into chronic, intractable phases and further death of the animal. Advice on proper nutrition and pet care should be provided by veterinarians, dog handlers and kennel owners. Unprofessional advice will ruin both the young animal and the adult.

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An attentive owner will always determine that something is wrong with the dog and take it to the clinic. However, many pathological processes occur in a latent form, and an external examination does not allow one to get an idea of them.

Suspecting a disease in a patient, the veterinarian gives a referral for blood biochemistry so that the result obtained during the study will help in making a diagnosis. A biochemical blood test to determine the levels of ALT and AST is one of the most important auxiliary studies.

What does an elevated ALT level mean?

The protein molecule responsible for the exchange of amino acids between cells is called alanine aminotransferase. For convenience in medical practice, it is designated ALT (ALaT). The enzyme is found in the kidneys, liver, skeletal muscles, and heart muscle. If, under the influence of certain negative factors, the cells of these organs are destroyed, ALT enters the blood.

The following indicators are considered normal for ALT in the blood of dogs: 0-65 units/l/

A change in the level of alanine aminotransferase, both up and down, indicates pathological processes in the body. Increased activity of the enzyme and its excess by 5-10 times is observed, first of all, with changes occurring in the liver (cirrhosis, hepatitis, toxic lesions, malignant and benign neoplasms, injuries, strokes).

Also, a jump in ALT in the animal’s blood can provoke:

heart failure;
pancreatitis;
thermal and chemical burns;
state of shock;
necrosis and injury of the heart muscles.

However, an increase in the enzyme is not always explained by diseases. Taking antibiotics, anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs and even valerian can also improve the indicators.

As practice shows, a slight increase in ALT is observed in service dogs during intensive training and in pregnant bitches.

A decrease in the enzyme can also indicate serious liver diseases (with a decrease in the number of cells that synthesize alanine aminotransferase). In addition, a downward change in indicators is a clear symptom of a lack of B vitamins, in particular B6.

AST - causes of increase in the body

AST (AST) is usually understood as an enzyme whose full name is aspartate aminotransferase (a substance from the group of transaminases). The task of AST is the molecular exchange of aspartate amino acids. The concentration of the enzyme is in the kidneys, liver, heart, skeletal muscles, nervous tissue.

The normal level of aspartate aminotransferase in a dog’s blood is 10-42 units/l.

An increase in the enzyme (2-3 times) can occur in newborn puppies. This is normal, as the indicators stabilize as they grow older. If this phenomenon is observed in adult dogs, then this may be a symptom of a dangerous disease, for example:

hepatitis (viral, chronic, toxic);
liver cirrhosis at a late stage;
liver tumors;
acute pancreatitis;
dehydration;
hypocholesterolemia;
hypoglycemia;
severe anemia;
heart failure;
diabetes mellitus;
neoplasia;
hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism;
skeletal muscle injuries, heat stroke, burns.

Often, hepatocellular necrosis leads to an increase in AST in the blood of pets, which, in turn, occurs due to uncontrolled intake of toxic drugs (Phenytoin, Oxibendazole, etc.) or accidental ingestion of toxins, which include fly agaric alkaloids, tetrachloride carbon, paracetamol.

It should also be taken into account that AST levels increase with intense sports loads, in elderly individuals, as well as in animals with a hereditary predisposition.

A decrease in AST occurs due to severe diseases of organs and systems, lack of vitamin B6 and liver rupture.

Signs of increased AST and ALT

There are many reasons leading to increased enzyme activity, and each disease has its own specific clinical signs. The need for a biochemical blood test arises in cases where the dog exhibits the following symptoms:

skin pigmentation;
yellowing of the mucous membranes, whites of the eyes (indicates liver dysfunction);
vomiting, nausea;
urine becomes dark yellow (kidney pathologies);
stool becomes discolored (if there are problems with the pancreas);
loss of appetite and, as a result, rapid weight loss.

A change in the dog’s behavior should also alert the owner. If your pet, which was cheerful and active yesterday, becomes lethargic and inactive, immediately contact a veterinary clinic.

Diagnostics

One of the most common diagnostic methods is the Ritis coefficient, which allows you to determine the ratio of ALT and AST. This method allows you to create the most informative picture of the disease. For example, in case of heart disease (heart attacks, ischemia), AST increases by 8-10 times, ALT by 2-2.5 times. With liver pathologies, the opposite is observed: ALT increases 8-10 times, AST - 2-2.5 times.

If organ diseases are suspected, radiography and ultrasound are mandatory research methods.

Radiography is performed to assess the size, position, shape, degree of damage to the abdominal organs, as well as to determine parenchymal density and abdominal effusion.

Ultrasound examination makes it possible to evaluate the mobility of the intestinal wall, the echogenicity of the liver parenchyma, vascular component, etc.

Treatment

The treatment method will depend on the diagnosed pathology and is based on eliminating the main cause that caused the increase in enzymes.

The owner is required to strictly follow the veterinarian’s instructions and provide the dog with maximum comfort, quality care and adequate nutrition. You should not self-medicate, it can only worsen the situation.