Uh oh, we’ve run blood tests on your dog and found that it has “elevated liver parameters.” What does this mean?
Read on to learn more about liver conditions in dogs, including potential causes and symptoms to monitor for.
Why might we advise liver blood tests for your pet?
It’s particularly important to check your pet’s liver health if:
- They are unwell or have suffered a serious traumatic injury
- They may be prone to liver problems (e.g. older pets and certain breeds such as Bedlington terriers or Dobermans)
- If your pet is about to start regular medications or undergo a procedure under general anaesthesia (so we can pick the safest drugs for them)
- If we suspect your pet to have eaten a toxic substance
What are some common toxins that could affect your dog’s liver health?
Common toxins that can cause liver damage in dogs include:
- Xylitol (an artificial sweetener)
- Overdoses of medications, including paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Cycad plants such as sago palm
- Amanita mushrooms
- Blue-green algae
Some prescribed medications can also have potential liver health side effects, including long-term steroids or certain anti-seizure drugs. This is something we would advise on and monitor if your pet is required to take these medications.
What are the symptoms of liver disease?
The liver has many important functions within the body, including breaking down toxins and medications, producing substances that help blood to clot normally, and processing carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Whilst the liver has a large reserve capacity, significant liver disease or damage can cause symptoms including:
- Lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
- Increased drinking and urination
- Yellow discolouration of the skin and eyes (known as jaundice)
- Free fluid within the belly
- Abnormal bleeding tendencies
- Abnormal brain function, including seizures
What blood tests can we run for the liver?
The most common blood parameters we check when assessing the liver are ALT and ALP. These are enzymes (proteins used for chemical reactions) that can become elevated if the liver has been damaged. They can increase due to actual liver or gallbladder problems (e.g., a toxin, mass, or infection) or other issues affecting liver health, such as hormonal imbalances or shock (poor blood flow).
For an assessment of actual liver function, we can run other, more in-depth blood tests.
What happens if my pet has abnormal blood results?
If your pet’s blood tests show abnormalities, we will recommend further assessment or treatment based on its general health picture and history.
For instance, an older pet may be recommended to undergo an abdominal ultrasound to assess their liver appearance, whereas a pet who is suspected to have eaten a toxic substance would be started on appropriate medical treatment and monitored.
Treatment of liver disease is often supportive, involving:
- Treatment of any bacterial infection with antibiotics
- Administering antidotes to toxins where possible
- Monitoring and supporting your pet’s hydration, blood sugars and blood clotting ability
- Pain relief if required
- The use of appropriate supplements to support liver cell health (such as SAMe or silybin)
For more information on liver health monitoring and support in pets, consult our knowledgeable vets.
