Elevated ALT Liver Enzyme

Cookie

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Hello!

Cookie, my Frenchie born February 7th, has had her spaying delayed due to an elevated ALT Liver Enzyme. The normal range is 120 and she’s testing around 545. As I understand it, ALT leaks from damaged cells, so it could be a liver issue, or it could be something else. Other than her elevated ALT, her liver function is testing normal. She’s active, energetic, doesn’t drink or eat excessively, and is in entirely good health otherwise. Though I should note that she sheds quite a bit - sometimes it seems like handfuls at a time.

The vet has suggested proceeding with a test to determine her blood clotting times (as liver function can slow clotting) and has suggested a liver biopsy.

Has anyone had this same experience? I’m seeking wisdom from experienced Frenchie owners! Could diet play a part? She’s been on NutriSource puppy kibble (I add a little Flax Oil and FortiFlora). I’ve read that some Frenchies have trouble processing certain types of protein – could this be the culprit and could a diet change be needed? If so, any suggestions? I’d read rave reviews about raw diets, or a half-raw half-kibble diet.

Any insights very appreciated!!

Laura
 

2bullymama

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Welcome to FBN ... I have no experience but have tagged a couple members that might be able to give some insight on raw feeding.
 

turbodave

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Our Bitty just went through this. What caused her problem was very heavy bacteria in the mouth and several teeth that needed extracting! Although her numbers weren't as high ( upper 300's). The vet put her on heavy antibiotics for a few weeks and her liver number headed down fast. Tomorrow is her final blood test to see if it's near normal.


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Alice Kable

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:smileywelcome: to you and Cookie. I have no experience with this but if you trust your vet I most certainly would tell him/her to be aggressive in testing for the cause.
 

davidh

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I don't know anything about it, but just a suggestion to see if it helps, I would stop the flax oil and see if that helps. The FortiFlora I would continue. Plus does your vet send out the blood samples to a lab? If not, I would get a second opinion.
 

Honeys Owners

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Sorry to hear of your dog's illness. The good part is that once you figure out what's wrong and fix it, your dog will be fine since the liver is the only organ in the body capable of regenerating.
 

turbodave

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Bitty's numbers didn't go down with antibiotics as we had hoped. Actually went up. So the next step is X-ray and ultra sounds. [emoji45]


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Honeys Owners

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I hope the vets can figure out what's happening with Bitty and Cookie. In the meantime it can't hurt to try giving your dog Denamarin ( milk thistle + SAMe ) or just milk thistle. The silybin in milk thistle is great for detoxifying liver damage eg. from mushroom poisoning. I haven't heard of any major side effects from it.
 

mhuinker

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Try some milk thistle .... !


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turbodave

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Going to get some today!


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Cookie

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Thanks! I'm curious why you're suggesting eliminating the flax?
 

turbodave01

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Bitty's levels haven't dropped. As a matter of fact t they've shot up, now over 2000. We had to take her back in today for 3 days of IV treatment. :-(
Antibiotics just didn't work.

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2bullymama

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Bitty's levels haven't dropped. As a matter of fact t they've shot up, now over 2000. We had to take her back in today for 3 days of IV treatment. :-(
Antibiotics just didn't work.

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Sending strong prayers for your baby


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turbodave

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We're praying for her too. [emoji25]


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turbodave

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Our Bitty is still in the hospital[emoji45]. We visit her twice a day. She's been in there for 5 days now on heavy fluids to flush her liver, and liver specific Meds.

Her ALT numbers were well over 2000 when we took her in, thank God her number today is is just over 1200. Still high but nearly cut in half from what they were.

d85dd088fea41024364f28bf404c46ca.jpg



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2bullymama

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Our Bitty is still in the hospital[emoji45]. We visit her twice a day. She's been in there for 5 days now on heavy fluids to flush her liver, and liver specific Ned's.

Her ALT numbers were well over 2000 when we took her in, thank God her number today is is just over 1200. Still high but nearly cut in half from what they were.

d85dd088fea41024364f28bf404c46ca.jpg



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Continued prayers :pray:


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turbodave

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Bitty's improving daily and is home with us! She still has to get a quick fluid injection every other day for a week or so.

3d45efb50ea1225f54fcc7f232dc6c7c.jpg


2b0bb0d47b5ca5313ca4890f8f89929e.jpg



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Honeys Owners

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Congratulations !!! Was the liver failure coming from dental infection , and just took a while to resolve ?
 

Mavis

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What an angel. Please keep writing about her progress.

God bless.
 
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