Latest videos
City Beat
City Beat - PET..
Casita Big Dog ..
Questions addressed to Dr. Carol on topics that don't fit in other categories.Back to Forum List
>>
Back to Topic List
>>
VIEW ALL POSTS
Increased Liver enzymes
Posted Thursday, 04 February 2010 By Annette Ferreiro
Hello,
I have a 7 year old Boston Terrier that we rescued. Her name is Pixie. Pixie was abused for five years of her life. When we got her two years ago she had a pot belly and always been on the heavier side. She is on a diet but recently I noticed she was not losing weight. so I took her to the vet for her annual blood work. Her alkaline phosphates came back close to 1600. Last April 2009, they were normal (20) Needless to say we were concerned. The vet recommended an ultrasound to make sure there were no masses. Her liver is enlarged, no masses were found, and cholesterol stones were seen in her gallbladder. The next step we took was to rule out Cushings. They did the Dex Low test and the results came back negative for Cushings. The vet did explain that this test is only 95% accurate and to be truly sure we should do the ACTH test because she may have atypical Cushings. We have not done it yet it is scheduled for next week. But the vet explained that if this test comes back negative for Cushings, then Pixie probably has a gallbladder blockage. Now wouldn't that be seen in an ultrasound? And wouldn't Pixie be showing some kind of side effects to that blockage? She does not act like she is sick at all. What else could cause alkaline phosphates to be increased? Could it be possible that her alkaline phosphates were high due to being nervous? I am at a loss here and want to make sure I cover all my bases. Thank you in advance for your support and advice
Annette
I have a 7 year old Boston Terrier that we rescued. Her name is Pixie. Pixie was abused for five years of her life. When we got her two years ago she had a pot belly and always been on the heavier side. She is on a diet but recently I noticed she was not losing weight. so I took her to the vet for her annual blood work. Her alkaline phosphates came back close to 1600. Last April 2009, they were normal (20) Needless to say we were concerned. The vet recommended an ultrasound to make sure there were no masses. Her liver is enlarged, no masses were found, and cholesterol stones were seen in her gallbladder. The next step we took was to rule out Cushings. They did the Dex Low test and the results came back negative for Cushings. The vet did explain that this test is only 95% accurate and to be truly sure we should do the ACTH test because she may have atypical Cushings. We have not done it yet it is scheduled for next week. But the vet explained that if this test comes back negative for Cushings, then Pixie probably has a gallbladder blockage. Now wouldn't that be seen in an ultrasound? And wouldn't Pixie be showing some kind of side effects to that blockage? She does not act like she is sick at all. What else could cause alkaline phosphates to be increased? Could it be possible that her alkaline phosphates were high due to being nervous? I am at a loss here and want to make sure I cover all my bases. Thank you in advance for your support and advice
Annette
Increased Liver enzymes
Posted Monday, 08 February 2010 By Dr. Carol Osborne
Dear Annette,
If you have a copy of the blood and urine and can email it to me I can review it and discuss this with you. Gall bladder blockage may be the cause and there are many other things that can be responsible as well. Mishandling of the blood is also a cause and if I am able to review the labs, I can rule this in or out.Based on your note,
I would not run the 2nd test for Cushings at all at this point.
I assume x-rays revealed this and if you have a copy on a CD and can email them to me I can review the xrays.
The fact that she shows no signs of illness makes me wonder which is why I am advising you to proceed with caution.
My toll free office phone is 1-866-372-2765 if you'd like to call we can discuss and I am glad to help you.
Best Wishes
DR Carol
If you have a copy of the blood and urine and can email it to me I can review it and discuss this with you. Gall bladder blockage may be the cause and there are many other things that can be responsible as well. Mishandling of the blood is also a cause and if I am able to review the labs, I can rule this in or out.Based on your note,
I would not run the 2nd test for Cushings at all at this point.
I assume x-rays revealed this and if you have a copy on a CD and can email them to me I can review the xrays.
The fact that she shows no signs of illness makes me wonder which is why I am advising you to proceed with caution.
My toll free office phone is 1-866-372-2765 if you'd like to call we can discuss and I am glad to help you.
Best Wishes
DR Carol
Increased Liver enzymes
Posted Wednesday, 10 February 2010 By Annette Ferreiro
Oh Thank you. I will gather all her bloodwork and send it to you. I will call you to get your email address. I can't thank you enough for doing this