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- What is High Alkaline Phosphatase in Dogs?
- High alkaline phosphatase in dogs: diagnosis
- High alkaline phosphatase in dogs: how to reduce it?
- High alkaline phosphatase in dogs: general recommendations
If you have recently visited your veterinarian and tests have indicated elevated alkaline phosphatase, you will likely have a lot of questions about this. In this article by PeritoAnimal we will explain what a high alkaline phosphatase in dogs and how to reduce it?
It is an enzyme that, in general, is associated with liver-related problems, however, it can also increase in cases of bone disorders and other diseases. The values of this parameter can be known through a blood test and the veterinarian will prescribe this test if our puppy shows clinical symptoms or in periodic checks, especially if it is over 7 years old.
Below we will explain what high alkaline phosphatase is in dogs, its causes and treatment.
What is High Alkaline Phosphatase in Dogs?
High alkaline phosphatase in dogs can be associated with multiple disorders, such as:
- Hepatobiliary problems (cholangiohepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallbladder rupture, pancreatitis, etc.).
- Musculoskeletal problems (osteosarcoma, osteomyelitis, etc.).
- Endocrine problems (hyperadrenocorticism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, etc.).
- Intestinal problems
- Neoplasms (hemangiosarcomas, lymphomas, carcinomas, etc.).
- Severe hunger also increases this parameter.
Other Causes of Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase can be physiological, for example: puppies have high levels without any pathology. In this case, it indicates that the bones are growing.
In addition, taking some medications can also elevate alkaline phosphatase. Some of them are anticonvulsants, anthelmintics, antimicrobials, antifungals or glucocorticoids.
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High alkaline phosphatase in dogs: diagnosis
Because of numerous conditions that can be associated, both physiologically and pathologically, to know what is a high alkaline phosphatase, the veterinarian will consider other parameters revealed in the analysis, as well as the symptoms that the pet manifests.
For example, a puppy with high alkaline phosphatase is normal. On the other hand, an adult dog with these elevated levels and other signs such as jaundice and a increased urination and thirst, you will probably have a diagnosis of liver trouble.
This means that the alkaline phosphatase value alone does not tell you what the dog has, so it is essential that the veterinarian goes through all the tests and prescribes more if necessary. Also, if the dog is taking any medicine, it is necessary to inform the doctor as it may be the cause of the increase in alkaline phosphatase.
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High alkaline phosphatase in dogs: how to reduce it?
Alkaline phosphatase tells us that something doesn't work well in the dog's body, except in cases where this elevation is physiological. For these levels to be reduced, it is necessary to initiate a treatment by cause that caused the increase.
Given the multiplicity of conditions that may be behind this increase, it is not possible to speak of a single treatment, as this will depend on the origin of the disease. To mention some of the more common causes, we can comment that if diabetes is the reason for high alkaline phosphatase, the dog will have to be treated with insulin and follow one special diet. If we talk about hepatitis, the treatment antibiotic may be necessary. Also, it is important to know that if the liver has been irreversibly damaged, the dog will suffer from liver failure.
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High alkaline phosphatase in dogs: general recommendations
There are many diseases that can cause high alkaline phosphatase in dogs. Several will present not very specific symptoms, that is, common to different pathologies that, in addition, can show themselves acutely or chronically. Some of them are serious and others will need lifelong treatment.
It's very important visit the veterinarian if the dog shows any symptoms, such as increased water intake, increased urine secretion, yellowing of the mucous membranes, vomiting, weakened body condition, fever, pain, lack of appetite or, on the contrary, a considerable increase in appetite, etc. In most pathologies, early treatment is essential.
Although the dog does not show signs of illness, it must be monitored by a veterinarian at least annually and, if the dog is older than 7 years, these clinic visits should include a thorough examination and blood and urine tests. This measure will allow detecting high alkaline phosphatase, as well as other altered levels, and intervene as quickly as possible.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.