Alkaline phosphatase is elevated in a dog with piroplasmosis

What causes elevated alkaline phosphatase in dogs?

During certain processes in the body, cell membranes are destroyed, and then increased alkaline phosphatase in the blood of dogs will definitely be detected, since it penetrates from its permanent location. Laboratory indicators indicate disturbances in the functioning of the body or simply obvious changes.

itself is not a separate disease . Its appearance can be triggered by simple stress, when the hormone cortisol is released, the use of medications (non-steroidal inflammatory drugs, hormonal drugs, anticonvulsants). It is also normal and not dangerous to see an increase in alkaline phosphatase in dogs during the third trimester of pregnancy or in young animals (approximately 4-8 months) during active bone growth.

However, there are also reasons that make you worry about your pet’s health. To a lesser extent - poor nutrition due to sweet or too fatty food, to a greater extent - various oncological diseases.

By the way, low alkaline phosphatase in dogs may indicate the presence of hypothyroidism, which sometimes leads to loss of voice after complete or partial paralysis of the larynx, lack of vitamin C and trace elements, anemia, and impaired bone growth. This condition poses a threat to health and it is also worth paying attention to its reduction.

What does alkaline phosphatase indicate in dogs when its levels are elevated most often:

rapid bone growth;
pregnancy;
lactation;
fractures, including those already healing;
liver diseases;
cholecystitis;
kidney and adrenal problems;
pancreatitis;
some tumors, especially osteosarcomas;
Cushing's syndrome;
other reasons.

Reasons for the increase

Natural phenomenon

Veterinarians say that in young dogs, elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood are normal, as the body grows and the skeleton and bone tissue are formed. If your pet has recently suffered a fracture, the reading may also be elevated during the healing process.

If the dog is preparing to give birth, this will affect the level of phosphatase. Blood tests will show an increase in indicators. Owners of the Husky breed can also breathe easy, since such a deviation from the norm is a feature of the breed.

Taking medications

If the dog has been prescribed medication, this can lead to high alkaline phosphatase levels. The cause may be the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, medications against seizures, or steroid hormones.

Pathologies

An increase in serum levels may indicate liver disease. A moderate increase is observed with hepatitis and tumors. The greatest increase is observed when the bile ducts are blocked. With such diseases, the liver is enlarged, when pressing on the right side the animal feels pain, yellowness appears on the sclera of the eyes, biochemistry shows an increase in bilirubin, urine becomes red. The dog goes to the toilet often. An ultrasound is performed to determine the pathology of the liver and biliary tract.

Also, phosphatase activity can cause calcium and phosphorus deficiency in food. Large dogs are predisposed to bone tumors. Osteosarcoma may develop in the extremities. The cause is poorly healing fractures if metal structures were used. Treatment includes surgery and radiation therapy.

Poor nutrition, excessive consumption of fatty foods, the presence of an abscess, cirrhosis of the liver, infarction of the kidney and lung - all this can cause an increase in alkaline phosphatase. That is, a deviation from the norm serves as a sign of a certain pathology.

Clinical picture of alkaline phosphatase:

Alkaline phosphatase in dogs after targeted studies can be either increased in the results or significantly decreased. Its content in the blood is determined by undergoing a biochemical analysis in a veterinary laboratory. Alkaline phosphatase in a dog is 24-124 U/L or 8.0-28.0 IU/L. Interestingly, in Siberian huskies, according to some data, its increase is considered harmless and refers to differences in the breed.

specific manifestations, such as loss of voice or hair loss, in dogs . However, in some conditions the animal owner needs to be wary. Often its increase is reflected in the color of stool - it becomes light, and urine, on the contrary, becomes dark. Possible nausea and vomiting, a noticeable decrease in appetite. Such manifestations affect behavior and a general loss of strength, then it is more difficult for sick dogs to move, and apathy appears.

Diagnosis is difficult; veterinarians do not have a consensus on the causes of elevated alkaline phosphatase in dogs and their quick determinations. In addition, opinions differ about the growth indicators; some experts suggest not paying attention to this. Therefore, clarifying the nature of high levels of alkaline phosphatase in dogs is often delayed indefinitely. It is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination of most of the animal’s body, which will show a picture of what is happening and help identify problem areas.

The methods used are radiography (arthrosis, osteoporosis, fractures, etc.), ultrasound examination (liver damage, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, kidney and adrenal gland problems, oncology), and manual examination. For Cushing's syndrome, a small dexamethasone test is done, but it is contraindicated in some conditions. It is important to conduct hormone studies (thyroid, cortisol) and occasionally check the skin to rule out parasites or fungi. Based on the totality of the data obtained, the main diagnosis, due to which alkaline phosphatase in dogs increases, is easier to make.

What to do if your dog's alkaline phosphatase is elevated

Perhaps, it is precisely this question: “ What to do if a dog’s alkaline phosphatase is elevated ” that arises for any caring owner who has received tests with this result. First of all, the doctor should order additional tests in order to identify and eliminate the cause.

similar condition.

It is quite possible that the reason lies in inflammation, which needs to be treated. Or the liver of the four-legged friend could not bear the culinary delights that the household treats him with. Instead of making ridiculous assumptions and conjectures, we strongly recommend that you contact your veterinarian again, who, using the most modern equipment, will examine your pet from head to paw, perform an ultrasound of the organs, x-rays, and perform other necessary manipulations.

Also, if such a condition is once discovered, the owner will have to undergo tests more often than usual. For example, once a month. This will help to quickly monitor the condition of your four-legged roommate, and, if necessary, conduct the necessary research. It is likely that an experienced veterinarian will also prescribe anthelmintic drugs, which should be taken at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight.

How to choose a veterinary center for testing - elevated alkaline phosphatase in a dog

When choosing a veterinary center for testing, you should pay attention to reviews, reputation, and experience of veterinarians. The veterinarian has been providing testing services for quite a long time, which allows us to talk about impressive, accumulated experience. We also perfectly understand the worries of any loving owner, and therefore we try to do everything possible to ensure that the analysis result is ready as soon as possible.

We fundamentally do not use outdated equipment, which can give unreliable results. The laboratory regularly undergoes modernization, which helps to achieve even more accurate and faster analysis.

Doctors undergo various seminars and courses, and laboratory assistants gain experience every day so that the treatment is the most adequate and the prognosis is only bright. An increase in alkaline phosphatase is a loud signal from the body that something is wrong. The cause itself should be eliminated exclusively by experienced specialists who can really help.

During the treatment process, you should also donate blood for biochemistry in order to monitor the condition of your four-legged pet. In addition to biochemistry, you can additionally take a classical analysis.

Preparation for phosphatase diagnosis:

To determine whether alkaline phosphatase is increased in dogs or not, you need to take a biochemical blood test. In addition to the content of the enzyme itself, its results provide important information about other elements in the body. This will help with diagnosis. This test can be done in almost all veterinary laboratories. Before going to zoomedicine specialists, you will have to limit the animal in its usual things. For example, do not feed 8 hours in advance. Many products affect the indicators and they become useless.

Additionally, it is worth avoiding stress , even short-term, if the dog’s alkaline phosphatase level is very high. Reduce walks and serious exercise - let the animal have more peace and hormones, along with microelements, be in the normal state of the body. It is advisable to talk to the dog without raising your voice and not scolding him.

The veterinarian should ask about the animal’s diseases, its food, and medications that may affect the dog’s high alkaline phosphatase levels. Other features of preparation for research will be told by the staff of a particular laboratory or clinic; they may differ.

How is treatment done if a dog’s alkaline phosphatase is elevated?

As mentioned above, if the analysis showed that alkaline phosphatase in a dog is elevated, this is not an independent disease. It is provoked by various reasons. In order to successfully cope with it, you need to eliminate that very factor. If the cause is, for example, a diseased liver, then the necessary therapy should be carried out. However, if the level of alkaline phosphatase continues to increase

, it is necessary to take certain measures, for example, by performing urgent surgery to remove the affected organ. During the recovery period, of course, the indicators may increase, however, when the problem is solved, everything should return to normal and the caring dog owner will only have to carefully follow the doctor’s instructions. If the reason for the increased indicators is due to a diseased liver, then the animal will have to drink Essentiale. The dosage and duration of administration should also be prescribed by a veterinarian.

How to prepare a dog for donating blood for biochemistry - the dog’s alkaline phosphatase is elevated

This analysis will require special preparation from the owners. 8 hours before the test

the animal should stop feeding. Any food can affect test results. For example, a recently eaten piece of sausage can cause an increase or decrease in this indicator. The stress that the animal experiences in the veterinary office can also affect the results.

So that alkaline phosphatase levels do not fluctuate too much

, it would be appropriate to use . Modern technologies make it possible to take any analysis from an animal in a comfortable, home environment.

A few days before the planned test, you should reduce your dog’s physical activity. If she, for example, is working out with a trainer, then it is recommended to cancel classes for a while and limit herself to only a short walk in the park.

If your four-legged friend is taking any medications, you should notify the veterinarian who will collect the biochemical substance. As a rule, blood can be drawn before taking medications.

As a rule, in such modern veterinary clinics, analysis results can be obtained in record time, which is important for the owner’s peace of mind. All manipulations related to blood sampling are carried out exclusively with disposable instruments.

Recommendations for proper nutrition of the dog during the treatment period - increased alkaline phosphatase in the dog

During the period of recovery treatment

It is recommended to feed the dog its usual food, which it has been eating for a long time. Also, you should not suddenly change living conditions, for example, the climate in which the animal lives constantly - to subtropical.

If your dog's alkaline phosphatase level is elevated, it is recommended to ensure that there are no conflict situations in the house. Everyone knows that dogs are excellent psychologists who sense human moods.

Any stress can cause a deterioration in health and an increase in alkaline phosphatase in a dog. This can trigger other symptoms that may be unpleasant for your pet. Walk your friend more often at a calm pace, making sure he doesn’t get tired. Before recovery, it is recommended to completely exclude canned foods from the diet, since they have a significant impact on the condition.

It is better to follow a dietary diet. Boiled chicken, a little rice, kefir. Only when the veterinarian gives permission can you return the cat to its normal diet. Talk to him in a calm, gentle voice. Remember that high alkaline phosphatase levels tend to be life-threatening for your dog. The diet should be safe, no food from the human table. Only specialized food for sick animals, which must be prescribed by a doctor. If the disease is left unattended, the growing rate will sooner or later lead to the animal refusing to eat altogether and dying from starvation and dehydration.

What should a veterinarian do when examining a pet?

If you come to the veterinary, you will be amazed at how professionally and carefully our veterinarians treat every animal, from a dog to a rat. What actions should a competent veterinarian take upon his first visit?

Visual inspection of the animal
Palpation of the abdomen and liver for pain in these organs
Wool inspection
Questioning the owner about what kind of food and how much the animal has received recently
If this indicator increases, the owner will be offered hospitalization of the pet for a more thorough examination of its health status. Don’t be afraid, because our hospital employs real professional doctors, as well as highly specialized doctors
The doctor will also suggest taking a biochemical blood test, from the results of which further conclusions can be drawn.

The owner must be extremely honest with the doctor, since the prescribed treatment depends on his answers. Also, all doctor’s prescriptions, even feeding, must be strictly followed. For example, if the doctor recommends feeding your dog rice and chicken, then you should not feed pineapples and rabbit meat.

What should you look for when choosing a veterinary clinic for treatment when your dog’s alkaline phosphatase is elevated?

First of all, when choosing a veterinary clinic, you should pay attention to the remoteness. It should be located near your place of residence. This will allow, if necessary, not only to quickly receive qualified assistance, but also to undergo the necessary tests, including a biochemical blood test, as conveniently as possible. Determine whether the dog’s alkaline phosphatase is low, normal, or high. If the veterinary center is located near the house, this fact guarantees that the animal will receive qualified veterinary care in a timely and prompt manner.

Efficiency is especially important, for example, during poisonings and heart diseases. In such situations, minutes count. Another advantage of a nearby veterinary clinic is that it can reduce your pet's stress levels. Sick animals tolerate trips of any length most poorly, and when it comes to taking tests, such a shock can significantly affect the results of laboratory tests.

Before your first visit to the veterinary center, we also recommend that you read reviews from previous clients who have passed through the hands of doctors. Then visit without a pet to get acquainted with the environment and staff. If there is a veterinary center near your home, then you are very lucky. It is impossible not to appreciate the clinic for animals “YA-VET”! It is very beautiful, modern and cozy here. Four-legged friends will certainly appreciate the caring attitude of the staff towards their problem. Our doctors will find a common language with any, even the most aggressive and angry dog.

You should absolutely not save money on your beloved pet, who is experiencing real suffering and cannot talk about it. And our doctors, having carried out the necessary diagnostics, will be able to make a reliable verdict at an adequate cost. Remember that it never hurts to get tested, especially since the gentle hands of our nurses will draw blood completely painlessly.

Dog care and rehabilitation:

Depending on the reason for the appearance of alkaline phosphatase in dogs, care is chosen during and after treatment. The animal’s diet is usually adjusted if necessary. If there is excess fat, a light diet is prescribed on the menu (boiled chicken, a little rice, ready-made industrial feed with the required composition). They can add vitamins and microelements to preparations when a significant deficiency is detected. However, food is not always changed so that the dog does not receive additional stress and another increase in alkaline phosphatase.

In everyday life, the animal is treated kindly, the voice is not amplified, it is advisable to leave training for a while, exclude sports activities, running and very active walks. Going outside and meeting other animals is limited, which can cause strong emotions and severe fatigue. Physical activity is especially contraindicated for problems with the spine and limbs - various arthrosis, inflammation, destruction of bone tissue.

If alkaline phosphatase in dogs increases due to liver dysfunction, hepatoprotectors are usually prescribed. Serious diseases of the kidneys and gall bladder require special treatment. Sometimes, in particular in oncology, they resort to removing the affected organ or part of it. If a dog loses its voice, then this is a sign of a specific disease that is treated with specific drugs.

Development of pathologies

A change in the parameters of this enzyme is observed when:

bone tumors;
liver cirrhosis;
an abscess that causes inflammation;
feeding fatty foods;
calcium deficiency;
pulmonary infarction;
Cushing's syndrome;
pancreatitis;
oncological process in the mammary gland;
tumor pathologies of the biliary tract;
kidney infarction;
liver pathologies;
osteodystrophy;
lymphogranulomatosis, accompanied by damage to bone tissue;
hyperparathyroidism.

Fatty foods affect changes in enzyme levels.

An increase in alkaline phosphatase in four-legged animals is not a direct symptom of a particular disease. The animal's body may simply be sending signals that it needs help.

Prevention of phosphatase in dogs:

The dog does not have alkaline phosphatase in overestimated or underestimated levels - this means that some health problems can be safely ruled out, but this does not indicate the animal’s complete health. To keep your dog's alkaline phosphatase within normal limits, it is recommended to follow preventive measures. It is very important to follow the feeding regime and rules - do not give the animal sweet and fatty foods. Walks should involve moderate physical activity, as should classes with a dog handler or on the sports ground. 1-2 times a year, even a visually healthy dog should undergo a full clinical examination with general tests. You should not raise your voice often and without reason, never hit a dog or expose it to serious stress or anxiety. Each owner must take care of the animal and be attentive to its behavior, appetite, appearance and even natural secretions.

FAQ (frequently asked questions):
Question: The dog does not have alkaline phosphatase, what does this mean?
Answer: Most likely it is normal. She cannot be completely absent. It is better to consult a veterinarian.

Normal Alkaline Phosphatase Levels and Functions

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that takes part in the metabolic processes of phosphoric acid. It serves as a knife, separating this acid from various organic compounds. In this way, an extremely important element for the proper functioning of the biorobot, phosphorus, moves through the body.

Phosphatase transports phosphorus throughout the dog’s body

Alkaline phosphatase accumulates to a greater extent in the following segments of the dog’s body:

animal skeletal tissues;
the inner mucous layer of the dog's intestines;
in the tissues of the placenta;
inside the mammary glands at the time when the whelped bitch feeds her babies.

Veterinary medicine determines the normal levels of alkaline phosphatase contained in the body of a healthy dog:

Thus, in an adult animal it can be up to 100 units per liter;
in growing puppies, the required figure may increase slightly due to the fact that at their age there is active growth of bone tissue.

Unfortunately, an increase in the indicator of interest to us, detected in the study of blood serum, in fact cannot be a signal characteristic of any specific disease.

To determine an accurate diagnosis, additional studies and analyzes are needed.

Diagnostics in a veterinary clinic

To make an accurate diagnosis, the veterinarian needs to collect anamnesis and perform a series of manipulations (visual examination, including the condition of the coat, palpation of the abdomen). Necessary diagnostic tests include ultrasound of the kidneys and liver, x-rays (if certain indicators are present).

Biochemical analysis is performed after the necessary preparation. Before the test, the dog should not be fed; the last meal should be no later than 8 hours before the test.

The dog owner must tell the veterinarian how many times a day the pet eats and what food is preferred - natural or industrial food. If the animal is currently taking any medications, the veterinarian must also be informed about this.

Signs of liver disease

The activity of alkaline phosphatase increases in liver diseases and cholestasis. Treatment with glucocorticoids, narcotics and other drugs acting on the liver leads to increased activity. A moderate increase is noted in primary liver diseases - hepatitis, tumors. The greatest change in concentration is observed when the bile ducts are blocked.

Changes in alkaline phosphatase activity do not negatively affect the dog's body, as evidenced by an increase in its level in puppies. Therefore, all clinical changes are associated with the underlying disease. To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to take into account changes in organs and the use of a number of drugs.

Liver diseases are characterized by changes in blood biochemistry and clinical picture:

increased bilirubin;
increased enzyme activity;
the appearance of jaundice;
pain on palpation in the right side;
enlargement of the liver border.

The causes of elevated alkaline phosphatase levels in dogs are most often associated with inflammatory processes in the liver and tumors. Hepatitis is caused by infections (viral hepatitis, leptospirosis, piroplasmosis, canine distemper), medications (glucocorticoids, barbiturates). The etiology of liver tumors is not fully understood.

Liver diseases are accompanied by a number of specific clinical changes. Yellowness of the mucous membranes, skin, and sclera of the eyes appears. The borders of the liver are usually enlarged, and tenderness is detected on palpation. Bilirubin and hemoglobin appear in the urine, causing it to become red. Urine volume and frequency of urination are increased.

Erosion and ulcers form on the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, which can be detected when examining the oral cavity. Damage to the stomach and intestines is indicated by vomiting blood and exhaustion. Dogs often develop abdominal hydrops.

Alkaline phosphatase levels change slowly in dogs and are poorly associated with disease severity and should not be considered for treatment evaluation.

In liver diseases, striking changes in blood biochemistry are observed. The activity of ALT and AST increases as a result of damage to hepatocytes. Also, their increase may indicate muscle injuries or the use of steroid hormones.

To clarify the diagnosis, a fatty acid test is performed. Plain radiography of the abdominal cavity reveals an increase in the borders of the liver. Ultrasound examination can determine the pathology of the gallbladder and liver tumors.

For treatment, infusion therapy is mandatory. Saline solution with the addition of 5% glucose, plasma or its substitutes are infused intravenously. The use of calcium supplements for bleeding is indicated. Severe blood loss may require a transfusion.