ALT above normal level

[SammyDoodle]

My dog (13 year old black lab) has just had his blood tests back

6 months ago his ALT was at 48 (well within normal levels) now it is at 68 (8 above)

Does anyone know anything about liver problems in older dogs and what I should be doing to try to help him?

I am having another test done in 3 months to see if it gets worse - I am worried about him - I think this could be the begining of the end

[Dobified]

You need to thoroughly discuss all options with your Vet.


I am so sorry about your dog. It sucks when they get old. Been there.

I personally have not gone through liver problems with any of my dogs, just heart issues, Thyroid issues .

I would do a google search for liver problems in dogs, type it in just like that and see what comes up .

[SammyDoodle]

Thanks - I did have a chat with the vet - she wants to wait to see his next result - 3 months is a long time tho with such an old dog I am just hoping someone here might have some knowlede of liver problems and could give me some ideas on what to do now - I am just so concerned that things could change for the worse in the period between now and his next blood test

[Aria]

what other things on the blood test are off? Just b/c the ALT is off doen't mean her liver is shot. Usually there are other things that are offset as well. like.. BUN, ect... However, i would reccomend just what your vet says re-check in 3 months. Sometimes the liver finctions can be off for several reasons, but like i said its usually not just the ALT thats off. I would calm down and wait, watch your dog for any trouble in the next couple of months, and watch her diet and eating patter.

If she does have a liver problem there is medication that can help to keep her liver functioning as normal as possible. So no worries hopefully it was just a fluke in the system and it will work itself out in the next couple of months =) Stay strong!

[SammyDoodle]

Thank you Aria - that has made me feel a lot better

It is only the ALT that is elevated - all other readings are within normal tolerence - so maybe he is just going through that period where there are a lot of dead cells present (hopefully) and the next test will show a drop

[Aria]

nods , thats what i'm thinking. Usually like i said if the liver is failing there are more signs in the blood work, not just one thing. But , like i said just wantch for anything weird, and get the re-test. Hopefully everything that is wonky wil work its way out and your dog will be back to normal. =)

[mara]

I don't know alot about liver function in canines but there could be other reasons for a single high result. Unless she is noticablybecoming more and more ill I'd do as the vet recommends and wait for the third result. It makes it easier to establish a trend and therefore easier for the vet to diagnose and treat the problem.