High Liver Enzymes in Dogs

The liver is a very important organ of the body that performs a number of functions. It detoxifies the blood and eliminates toxins that enter the bloodstream. The liver also produces bile that breaks down fat. Proper functioning of this gland is very important for your pet's health, as the liver plays a vital role in maintaining the immune system. High liver enzymes in dogs is one the most common dog health problems. The following lines deal with this medical condition in dogs, in greater detail.

High Liver Enzymes in Dogs - Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of elevated liver enzymes in dogs are:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anorexia
• Bleeding disorders
• Lethargy and sluggishness
• Jaundice

Although these symptoms indicate high liver enzymes that is not conducive to a dog's health, these symptoms are often confused to be caused due to indigestion and other minor ailments. Dogs can suffer from a number of liver diseases, and what's most frustrating is that the symptoms are often vague and similar to other diseases. Hence, to ensure proper dog care, it is very important to take your pet to the veterinarian in case he shows any sign of illness.

Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes in Dogs

Jaundice: Bilirubin is a waste product that is formed from break down of hemoglobin. If the liver is unable to remove this compound then it accumulates in the body. This is toxic for a dog's health. A result of this malfunction of the liver is jaundice. The accumulated bilirubin causes yellowing around the whites of the eyes and the gums.

Pancreatitis: Tests for enzyme levels may indicate elevated levels of gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT). This enzyme is mostly concentrated in the pancreas and the kidneys. Pancreatitis or obstruction in the bile duct may lead to an increase in the levels of GGT in the liver.

Infectious Hepatitis: This is a contagious disease of dogs caused by a DNA virus known as called canine adenovirus 1 (CAV-1). This virus is transmitted to a healthy dog through saliva, urine and feces of an infected dog. Even after a dog has been cured of the disease, it may shed the virus for 6 months.

Cushing's Disease: More accurately referred to as hyperadrenocorticism, there is an increased production of the adrenal hormone in this condition. This may occur due to two reasons - a tumor in the adrenal gland, or stimulation of the adrenal gland that controls production of this hormone. In order to balance the salt levels, there is an increase in the alkaline phosphatase in the liver.

Diet for Dogs with High Liver Enzymes

Medications for treating symptoms due to high levels of liver enzymes in dogs will be prescribed by the veterinarian after diagnosing the problem. The vet may also advise you to modify your dog's diet. The medicines and changes in dog's food aim at helping the liver to recover form damage caused due to the disease. As far a diet is concerned, a dog should have lower intake of proteins and fats that cause extra load on the liver. Ensure that the canine eats food with low levels of sodium, so that they do not suffer from fluid build up in the abdomen due to high blood pressure in the blood vessels of the liver.

Whatever protein is being given, ensure that it is high quality protein. Although protein is difficult to digest for the liver, it is important for building new healthy liver tissue. High quality protein is easy to digest as compared to low quality proteins that produce ammonia when digested, which the liver can't filter easily. Plant based proteins (soy) and dairy based proteins are good for a dog suffering from high levels of liver enzymes. Along with proteins, give your dog high quality carbohydrates like potatoes and rice that are, again, easy to digest. Fiber present in vegetables can enhance elimination of toxins from the dog's system.

Milk thistle can be given to a dog as a dietary supplement. Milk thistle performs the dual task of aiding in liver cell regeneration and protecting the liver by eliminating toxins. Standard dosage of milk thistle is 200 mg twice or thrice daily. Milk thistle can be obtained in the form of capsules or liquid that could be mixed with the pet's food. However, alcohol based milk thistle should be avoided.

As the liver functions in coordination with the other organs of the body, high liver enzymes in dogs can be caused by reasons related to the liver or to some other organ. However, since the liver has strong regenerative capacity, with proper medical attention dog illnesses caused due to disease or damage to the liver can be cured.