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Digestive System: Liver Enzymes

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Types of Canine Liver Enzymes and Elevated Dog Liver Enzymes:

Canine liver enzymes are proteins which increase the rate of chemical reaction in the liver. Therefore, sometimes they are also called biological catalysts. In the liver, different enzymes hasten the hepatic (liver function) activity and support functions. AminoTransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phophatase (ALP), Isoenzymes and Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT) are some common dog liver enzymes.

The following is a brief overview of each enzyme and the conditions associated with elevated levels:

Diseases Associated with Elevated Liver Enzymes:

Canine liver enzymes are correlated with the causes of various diseases, i.e. elevation is either a result of hepatic (liver) diseases or some hepatic diseases are primarily caused by elevation of dog liver enzymes. In either condition, it should be noted that laboratory confirmation of the elevated levels helps in forming a definitive diagnosis, and thus treatment is made possible.

The following are some common diseases which are directly related to canine liver enzymes which are elevated:

Treatment of Elevated Liver Enzymes:

Treatment of canine liver enzyme levels that elevated are usually defendant upon the diagnostic results, i.e. severity and level of elevation. The primary cause should be identified and treated. Diseases which cause elevation of an enzyme level should be treated specifically . Monitoring tests should be conducted at least once in a week during treatment.

Dog food should be replaced by reducing fats, proteins and salt content in the dog's diet, especially table salt. Canine elevated liver enzymes are not a simple condition, thus it should only be attended to by a veterinarian. Complications may lead to incurable forms of disease, thus should be treated in during the initial stages only.

Some homeopathic products that target liver function may be a helpful to both  restore and keep dog liver enzymes at normal levels. There are three types of natural dog liver support products available: 

Check with your veterinarian on the use of any therapy.  

Treatment of elevated liver enzymes in dogs requires an approach that recognizes that the liver is not functioning properly. Before treatment,  the level of secretions from the liver are significantly reduced, which in turn slows down digestion.  When medications and dietary change is introduced, treatment can take a long period of time, since the reduced levels of digestive activity causes a delay in treatment absorption into the body. There is also a delay in the excretion of drugs after complete absorption.  After some time, liver function will work its way back to normal.