If you've recently been to your vet and tests have indicated high alkaline phosphatase, you probably have a lot of questions about it. Therefore, in this article on our site we are going to explain what causes a high alkaline phosphatase in dogs
This is an enzyme that is commonly associated with liver-related problems, but can also be elevated in bone disorders and other diseases. We can know the values of this parameter through a blood test and the veterinarian will prescribe this test if our dog presents clinical symptoms or during regular check-ups, especially if it is older than 7 years.
Next we will explain what high alkaline phosphatase in dogs means, its causes and treatment.
What does high alkaline phosphatase mean?
High alkaline phosphatase in dogs can be related to multiple disorders, such as:
- Hepatobiliary problems (cholangiohepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, ruptured gallbladder, pancreatitis, etc.).
- Musculoskeletal problems (osteosarcoma, osteomyelitis, etc.).
- Endocrine problems (hyperadrenocorticism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, etc.).
- Intestinal problems.
- Neoplasms (hemangiosarcomas, lymphomas, carcinomas, etc.).
- Severe starvation also increases this parameter.
Other causes of elevated alkaline phosphatase may be physiological. For example, puppies have it elevated without any pathology. In this case it indicates that the bones are growing.
But in addition, the administration of some drugs can also raise alkaline phosphatase. Some of these are anticonvulsants, anthelmintics, antimicrobials, antifungals, or glucocorticoids.
Diagnosis of High Alkaline Phosphatase in Dogs
Due to the numerous conditions with which it can be related both pathological and physiological, to know what an elevated alkaline phosphatase means, our veterinarian It will attend to other parameters revealed in the analysis, as well as the symptoms that our dog manifests.
For example, a puppy with high alkaline phosphatase will be normal. On the other hand, an adult dog with this elevated parameter and other signs such as jaundice and increased urination and thirst, will be directing the diagnosis towards a liver problem.
This means that the value of alkaline phosphatase by itself does not tell us what our dog has, so it is essential that the veterinarian examine all the tests and prescribe more if necessary. In addition, if our dog is taking any medicationwe must inform the doctor in case he could be behind the increase in alkaline phosphatase, as we have seen
How to lower high alkaline phosphatase in dogs?
Alkaline phosphatase tells us that there is something wrong with our dog's body, except, of course, in cases where this elevation is physiological. In order for this parameter to decrease, we need to start a treatment based on the cause that caused the increase.
Given the multiplicity of conditions that may be behind this elevation, it is not possible to speak of a single treatment, since it will depend on the disease of origin. To mention some of the most common, we can say that if diabetes is the cause of high alkaline phosphatase, our dog will have to be treated with insulin and follow a special diet If we are dealing with hepatitis, it may be necessary to treat antibiotic In addition, it is important to know that If the liver has been irreversibly damaged, our dog will suffer from liver failure.
General recommendations
As we can see, there are many diseases that can lead to high alkaline phosphatase in dogs. Several will present non-specific symptoms, that is, common to different pathologies that, in addition, may present acutely or chronically. Some of them are serious and others will need treatment for life.
For all these reasons, it is very important that if our dog shows any symptoms such as increased water intake, increased urine output, yellowing of the mucous membranes, vomiting, poor body condition, fever, pain, lack of appetite or, conversely, a considerable increase in hunger, etc., Let's go to our veterinarian We should not delay since in many pathologies early treatment is key.
Even if our dog does not show any signs of illness, we should attend veterinary check-ups at least annually and, if the dog is over 7 years old, these visits to the clinic should include a complete examination and blood and urine tests. This measure will allow us to detect high alkaline phosphatase, as well as other altered parameters, and intervene early.
