Ron Butler
Federal Way WA.
Senior Member
Joined: 02/29/2004
View Profile
 Offline
|
I know that several vets and other knowledgeable people hang out here. I'm not really attempting to get free vet advice, I don't think, but would appreciate further insight!!
We have a 9 year old Irish Terrier that contracted thrombocytopenia when she was 3. Our vet referred us to a specialist here in Seattle and he was able to pull her through it. One of the several drugs that was used caused some liver damage, but he caught it quickly and was able to get her off that med. Her yearly blood tests have been fine until now.
The orginal specialist is no longer there and is only on a consulting basis with the clinic now. Her alkaline phosphate count in '07 was 328 and is now 515, with the reference range being 10-84. Her ALT went from 134 in '07 to 155 with the reference range being 5-65. Last year the specialist wasn't concerned and felt that she was doing fine. This year, the vet wants to do more tests. I guess that I would like to know if there should be real concern about this. What could be the long term affects of this increase?
We want to take care of this great pet, but we are reluctant to get into another round of what turned out to be very expensive vet bills that we have already gone through. We were willing to do that because of her age, but not sure we are willing to do it at this stage of her life and for how much longer it would prolong it for her anyway. I know that's a real unkown.
Would it be unreasonable to ask the clinic to have the orginal vet look at her results and give us his opinion. I have a great deal of faith in him and know nothing about the current vet that did the exam.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Ron & Carolyn
Sadie the Irish Terrier
Happy the Lakeland Terrier
From sailing yacht to land yacht
KE7BZC
M/V Lothlorien
GO HUSKIES
|
dturm
Munster, IN
Moderator
Joined: 01/29/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
There are multiple sources of ALKP but with mild elevation of ALT also, it is prudent to look at the liver as the source. Normally, these types of elevations would not prompt me to do more than monitor UNLESS there were symptoms of disease and/or a history of liver problems. This may not be anything serious as the levels are only mildly elevated. Not an easy answer, but with no consideration other than "medically appropriate", an ultrasound and bile acids would be appropriate. If you chose to monitor, one or more of the nutritional supplements (SAMe probably the best) would be indicated.
Doug, DVM
Doug & Sandy
Megan (14 yr old Golden)
2008 Southwind
2001 Honda CRV
Check out blog.rv.net
|
CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
Senior Member
Joined: 08/23/2004
View Profile
|
Ron Butler wrote:...........
Would it be unreasonable to ask the clinic to have the orginal vet look at her results and give us his opinion. I have a great deal of faith in him and know nothing about the current vet that did the exam.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Since I do not know much about the enzyme levels I won't address that part of your post but I will say that of course you can request the other vet look at the results and consult. I bet they would be happy to do that for you. Perhaps you will want to also take the results to another clinic (maybe even a holistic vet practice) and get another opinion as well. As far as I am concerned when it comes to my health or the health of a loved one (pets included) I am always open to getting a second opinion.
Yes, there will be costs involved but perhaps you will surprised this time around and get some encouraging news, I certainly hope so! A nine year old is not that old by current standards, I'm sure you hope to enjoy many more years with your pet.
The good news is that the liver is a unique organ and can rejuvenate itself to a certain extent. I understand there are certain herbs that might be of benefit, a friend of mine has Hep-C and has benefited from a number of more natural remedies. A holistic vet could help you with those options if your current vet isn't well versed in that sort of therapy.
Best of luck! Please let us know how your dog is doing and what you find out.
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle....
Live simply, love wholly, give generously, care deeply, speak kindly.
Our toys: Sunline T2499 & ProCraft Fish & Ski
|
scot-to-rv
Regina
New Member
Joined: 08/31/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
I have had scotties that have struggled with liver difficulties. I agree, the liver is a unique organ and does rebuild itself. My last lad had some weight loss at the age of 4 and when the vet did blood work discovered that the liver enzymes were high. She suggested a liver friendly diet and an adative called "Missing Link". I continue to add Missing Link to both boys food and am amazed at the healthy look they both have. After a few months on the liver diet dog food and Missing Link the enzyme count was back to normal.
Good Luck!
|
Ron Butler
Federal Way WA.
Senior Member
Joined: 02/29/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
Thanks for the replies.
Doug, is that SAMe a brand name supplement for dogs specifically or a type of supplement? Carolyn and I both seem to remember that we have seen it before, but today after going to 2 or 3 pet specialty shops and the 2 big "box" ones, we couldn't find it!
According to Petsmart, they had a hepatic dog food, Waltham Royal Canine, but claimed we needed a perscription for it!! She wasn't able to answer what was medically in it that would make it dangerous. Does this sound logical or what? It sounded like they just wanted to have us pay for another blood test! I am going to call the specialist and have a copy of the last blood test mailed to me.
Did get the Missing Link additive and will start her on that tonight.
Thanks
|
|
|
RBak
Crest Hill, IL
Senior Member
Joined: 01/03/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
Hi Ron,
I have a sheltie with elevated liver enzymes, and he take S-Adenosyl-225, which you can get from your vet, or online from Vet America. I give him one every morning 1 hour before he eats - it has to be given on an empty stomach. He also get prescription diet L/D canned food. Since he has been on this diet and medication regimen - since last fall - he does not have diarrhea, has not lost weight, one of his enzymes has improved (the other is still high but not alarmingly so) and his coat is beautiful. He's 10 years old and has slowed down some, but I think the prescription diet and S-Adenosyl, which is SAMe, has helped him a lot. Basically, he has liver disease associated with aging - no tumors - but his liver is growing smaller with age and not functioning as well as it should. The cost for the SAMe through Vet America is about /$33 per bottle of 60, cheaper than my vet sells it to me. Don't give up on your dog with liver problems - they can be treated and the dog can still have a normal life. PM me if you want more information, and best of luck to you and your doggie.
Rita Baker
proud owner of Champ, the camping sheltie
|
dturm
Munster, IN
Moderator
Joined: 01/29/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
We get questions about clarifying prescription pet foods every once in a while. Basically, the prescription designation for foods is a marketing designation NOT an FDA thing. You really shouldn't need a prescription for them, but some vets may be unaware or there may be some state regulation differences.
SAMe is S-Andenosyl Methionine (that's why it's called SAMe) and comes under many different brand names. I've seen it at Sams Club, Walgreens, CVS, etc.
We do use a "prescription" form from the folks who make Cosequin, it's called Denosyl.
Doug, DVM
|
Retired Wileys
Lake Jackson, Tx USA
Senior Member
Joined: 04/08/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
Our Aussie pup has a very tiny liver because of a shunt which routes her blood around the critical liver rather than though it to cleanse and purify toxins. For Lizzi this was almost a deadly disorder but over her first year we have learned how to manage the meds and she looks great. PM me if you would like more information about what has worked for us. Our liver problems are different but you can do this with information.
Herschal & Pam Wiley
2003 2500HD Crewcab Chevy
26H 2000 Prowler LS w/slide
|
