Hello Hope you can help a worried owner Labrador 9 years old today Last year she was really ill alkp and alt were very high , ultrasound came back clear and after 3k of vet bills she got better. Now she has the same problem again a year later. Alkp 370 Ast 250 She is not showing and signs like she did last year. I don't think my vet has a clue on how to treat this or why she is getting I'll again, bill is up to 1 k already and she is getting worse. I don't have any faith in vet so don't want him to do ultrasound but get it done by a vet who has an understanding of what is wrong with her Thanks Paul
Hi Paul and welcome to the forum. It sounds like you have been having a very worrying time with your dog. Much sympathy. I had to google ALKP and AST and found that they are liver enzymes. My only advice would be to take your dog to see a specialist. That would probably be a vet who has postgraduate qualifications in internal medicine, and who maybe even specialises further in liver function. You can ask your vet for a referral. If he won't give one or doesn't know who to go to, then do online research yourself to find a qualified specialist and contact them directly. I'm sure this has been very stressful and I hope that the eventual outlook for your dog is a good one.
Hi Paul. As I cannot see your location, I will assume it is in the UK? If so, a referral from your vet, to the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket might prove useful. I had a Cocker with unexplained blindness, and they were wonderful. Did cost, but they are all the world's experts there, and insurance helps!
Hello And thanks Newmarket is only up the road from me as I live in Huntingdon , Cambridgeshire. I have been looking on line for an expert to help, not worried about the money as I would sell my car to make sure she is healthy and happy . Don't think insurance will pay out for a second time and only see our vets as a money making scheme. Paul
Hi Lightening, really sorry you are having problems. Happy Birthday wishes to your girl. How is she in herseslf? I would definitely recommend a specialist vet. The ALT comes from the liver cells themselves, and the Alk Phos from the bile ducts. That combination COULD indicate some blockage in the bile ducts causing back flow to the liver (I am not a vet though) I would think more tests would be valuable. Has your vet recommended a low fat diet? I would think that would be potentially helpful and won't cause any harm. You can get some ready made foods that are designed for liver problems. I don't think this is a "cure" but it might help. It's such a shame you have lost confidence in your vet, but can empathise with you on that. I really hope you get some answers for your girl.
Hello there, I'm sure you gave her a lovely day celebrating her Birthday,I can tell you think the world of her. I don't have a lot of experience to draw on as Dexter is my first dog but my friend has an elderly GSD who has liver problems and her condition is managed with a combination of drugs and special diet.She is on low protein and Royal Canin Renal dry food. I agree totally with your other replies about seeking out a specialist opinion as soon as you can . Let us know how you get on Best wishes Angela x
Go and see your vet today and ask for a referral to a specialist or even another vet. The sooner the problem is treated the sooner your dog can be helped.
Hi, so sorry to bear about your poor dog and hope she is better soon. As others have already said it would seem that a specialist referral would be lf great help to diagnose the problem and come up with a plan of action. Let us all know how you get on
Hello Been down vets and got her referred to an specialist vets in cambridge today, i will keep you updated on what happens and treatment she receives so it can help anybody in the future thanks Paul
