A dog's liver is a multi-tasking organ that metabolizes fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the body. It plays an important role in blood clotting, toxin filtering, and waste removal. It also stores fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, and secretes bile which is vital for proper fat metabolism. Therefore, if the liver gets damaged, the dog's body won't detoxify the various metabolic waste and by products. The liver secretes specific enzymes for performing these tasks, and one of the main determinants of liver function is to measure the systemic levels of these enzymes. When the liver is malfunctioning, these enzymes often get elevated, and if the level of secretion goes beyond the normal level, the dog may suffer from various health related problems.
ALT (alanine aminotransferase) or SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) is a liver specific enzyme, secreted when localized liver cells die due to an infection or interruption of blood supply. Under abnormal conditions, the serum levels may go up by four to five times the normal level, and can cause non-hepatic disorders like inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, hemolytic anemia, and heart failure. A dog undergoing treatment with anticonvulsants and glucosteroids can show this significant increase in the ATL levels. Similarly, AST (aspartate aminotransferase) or SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) is another liver enzyme which is detected in muscle tissue and red blood cells. An increase in levels of AST can also cause liver disorders more severe than ALT. Elevated liver enzymes like GGT (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) and SAP (serum alkaline phosphatase) can signify liver disease due to obstruction of bile ducts.

Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes in Dogs
The following are some of the most common causes of elevated liver enzymes in dogs:

• Jaundice: Jaundice, being one of the cause, usually occurs when the liver is incapable of removing bilirubin, a waste product generated from the break down of hemoglobin. It gets accumulated and causes a yellow color formation around the whites of the dog eyes or the pale areas of the gums.
• Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis, or blockage in the bile duct, causes raised levels of the GGT enzyme in the liver, which gets concentrated in the kidneys and pancreas.
• Cushing's Disease: Cushing's disease causes excessive generation of adrenal hormones, specifically corticosteroids. As a result, there is an increase in alkaline phosphatase in the liver which imbalances the salt levels.
• Infectious Hepatitis: Infectious herpes gets transferred from one dog to another through contact or ingestion. Along with herpes, the parasites may attack the liver and increase the number of liver enzymes in order to remove the assailants.
• Metabolic Diseases: Metabolic diseases like cobber accumulation, deposition of fat in the liver due to obesity, diabetes, and hypothyroidism in dogs can also lead to elevated liver enzymes in dogs.
• Medications: Medicines like corticosteroids or epilepsy medicine can also raise the enzyme levels in the liver.
• Other Factors: Congenital diseases like hepatic shunts, congestive heart attacks, liver cancer etc. are some other causes for elevated liver enzymes in dogs.

Symptoms of Elevated Liver Enzymes in Dogs
Symptoms of liver disease due to elevated liver enzymes in dogs are hard to pin-point as they are subtle, vague, and often similar to those relating to other dog illnesses or diseases. Following are some common symptoms observed in dogs suffering from this condition:

• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Lethargy and depression
• Bleeding disorders
• Accumulation of fluids in the abdominal cavity
• Anorexia or loss of appetite
• Pale gray stools
• Weight loss and anemia

Treatment for Elevated Liver Enzymes in Dogs
The best course of treatment primarily depends on the degree of the liver enzyme elevation, which determines how sick the dog is. Therefore, the first step is to address the cause of the dysfunction. This may include the use of antibiotics if there is an infection, or supportive care in the case of toxins. The sick dog may be put on the medication Denosyl, which helps in promoting liver health. The dog's diet or dog food, should be low in fat and protein, as this will minimize the liver's work load to metabolize the food. Limited sodium intake is another way to reduce the elevated enzyme level as it prevents high levels of ammonia during digestion.
Elevated liver enzymes in dogs is a serious dog health issue that should be dealt with under veterinarian care and supervision. Liver enzyme levels two to three times more than the normal level is usually considered as insignificant, but levels beyond this need immediate doctor's attention.

Well there is one less internet dog dealer out there named Gina De’Lynn Price who owned the Rebel Ridge Kennels in Tennessee. Gina De’Lynn Price will be in her own cage for the next five years and eleven months for all the crimes she did while selling dogs that were genetically deformed or had all kinds of diseases on the internet.

This person was just like one of those puppy mills you read about but the buyers were unaware of what they were buying though the internet.

A Big Thanks goes out to U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer for locking this lowlife up.

Now let’s see if she pays the six hundred plus grand back in restitution to the unknowing victims. I hope this is a good warning to anybody that wants to buy a dog on the web, you really need to go and see the dog you are about to buy. And make sure you get to look over the area and see the mother of the dog.

But you really should get a dog from a shelter first because there are so many dogs that are just looking to find a loving home and need your help.

Read the article by Matthew Lane here.


Do you remember reading an article about the former Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss and her porn star friend Kendra Rossi who were trying to buy a dog grooming business in Las Vegas. Well the judge has put a stop to that too. So I guess the Dirty Dogs business just might not be opening any time soon.

Read the article by Jeff Pope here.

If you’re looking for a smallish, energetic smarty pants, look at me! I’m Bailey, just 7 months old and 30 pounds. I’m housetrained, wait at doors, sit on command, and I learn very fast if you work with me. I’d…

Check out these cute little mugs–31 dogs made the trip up to here to Oregon from Los Angeles to find homes. Overcrowded shelters=very little time for these guys to find a home down there. Up here, they’ll just about all…

This Sunday, October 4th, the East Bay Tri Valley SPCA will be hosting their annual Growl, Meow, and Wine celebration! Come and join us for an afternoon with wonderful animals. There will be live music, fine wine, delicious food, and a silent auction-including some amazing items.

Cost is $75 for early admission (starts at 1 pm) and $45 for other attendees (2-5pm). Of course, the proceeds go to the East Bay Tri Valley SPCA.  Your support will save lives!

For more information, email info@eastbayspca.org or call 510-563-4605

www.eastbayspca.org/events

Location Details

East Bay SPCA Tri-Valley
4651 Gleason Drive
Dublin CA