What do you need to know about the ALKP test?
ALKP Blood Test Results Interpreted. The ALKP blood test is ordered to measure the the levels of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme, that is in the blood. It is an enzyme that is primarily made in the liver, but the bones, intestines, and kidneys also contribute to the overall amount of ALKP that is in the blood.
What does high ALKP mean for a dog?
Significance. High levels of ALKP may be suggestive of Cushing’s disease, hepatic nodular hyperplasia, bile duct obstruction, bone disease, cancer or may be due to the administration of steroid drugs or phenobarbital. Low levels may be indicative of malnutrition and starvation.
What causes an older dog to have elevated ALP?
Another common reason for an older animal to have an elevated ALP is if they have Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is where the adrenal glands are producing more hormone then they should. These adrenal hormones influence the liver and turn on production of ALP. Certain medications can also turn on production of ALP.
What causes higher than normal levels of ALKP?
There are times when the body will naturally have higher than normal levels of ALKP. When rapid bone growth occurs, such as when a child enters a growth spurt, is the most common cause of having high levels of this enzyme.
Is it normal for ALP to be high in young dogs?
Basic phosphatase is a homodimeric enzyme that is high in young fast growing animals, so it’s not unusual to see elevated ALP in young dogs. But whatever your dog’s age, if ALP is elevated, ask your vet to investigate the reason.
What does an elevated alkaline phosphatase mean for dogs?
My dog has an elevated alkaline phosphatase. What does that mean? There are several liver enzymes that veterinarians will check on a routine basis. The two most common liver enzymes checked are called ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and ALP (alkaline phosphatase).
Can a dog take phenobarbital with elevated ALP?
Phenobarbital can benignly cause an elevated ALP, but this medication can also cause liver damage. Because of this, it is common for veterinarians to want to do more testing on the liver if a dog has an elevated ALP and is taking phenobarbital so she can differentiate between a benign and toxic liver change.
What does it mean when your dog has elevated ALT?
ALT – Alanine aminotransferase (previously called SGPT or serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase). If it’s elevated, ALT can signify liver or hepatic alert as to liver cell death … but this enzyme also comes from the kidney as well as the intestines, so liver problems aren’t necessarily the only cause of elevated ALT,…