- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
OT veterinarians, question about ALKP
Posted on 1/2/18 at 9:33 pm
Posted on 1/2/18 at 9:33 pm
My older dog (almost 15) ALKP (alkaline phosphatase) blood work results came back extremely high. A normal range is considered 18-214 and hers is higher than 1000.
Concerning as well, her CHOL (cholesterol) came back higher than 450 when the normal range is considered to be 100-330. Lastly, her TRIG (triglycerides) came back 571 when the normal range is 8-100.
But the main concerns (for now) appears to be her ALKP. I first learned about this 7 or 8 months ago and immediately changed her diet to a lower protein kibble (Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hepatic Dry Dog Food) and started her on Denamarin. Neither, as far as I can tell appear to have helped based upon test results from 7 or 8 months back to now.
After speaking to my Veterinarian (7 or 8 months ago - could not recently speak to her as she is ill), she said it didn't sound like Cushing's Disease (which we have not tested for).
My girl eats very well. She's active. She's not overweight. And her bowels are normal (along with urine). And she does not show any signs of pain or discomfort. She looks like a completely healthy dog on the outside.
Is there anything else that I can do from a diet or supplement standpoint that may be more beneficial for her?
At age 15, I'm not sure if it is completely beneficial to run a battery of tests on her?
Is this something that will eventually take her down? Or is this something that can be managed until something else calls her home?
Concerning as well, her CHOL (cholesterol) came back higher than 450 when the normal range is considered to be 100-330. Lastly, her TRIG (triglycerides) came back 571 when the normal range is 8-100.
But the main concerns (for now) appears to be her ALKP. I first learned about this 7 or 8 months ago and immediately changed her diet to a lower protein kibble (Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hepatic Dry Dog Food) and started her on Denamarin. Neither, as far as I can tell appear to have helped based upon test results from 7 or 8 months back to now.
After speaking to my Veterinarian (7 or 8 months ago - could not recently speak to her as she is ill), she said it didn't sound like Cushing's Disease (which we have not tested for).
My girl eats very well. She's active. She's not overweight. And her bowels are normal (along with urine). And she does not show any signs of pain or discomfort. She looks like a completely healthy dog on the outside.
Is there anything else that I can do from a diet or supplement standpoint that may be more beneficial for her?
At age 15, I'm not sure if it is completely beneficial to run a battery of tests on her?
Is this something that will eventually take her down? Or is this something that can be managed until something else calls her home?
This post was edited on 1/2/18 at 9:40 pm
7
Posted on 1/2/18 at 9:34 pm to Will Cover
Probably could have bought a new dog for cheaper.
Posted on 1/2/18 at 9:46 pm to Will Cover
I'm not trying to be a dick, but your dog is 15. There can't be much you can do, she's old as shite.
Posted on 1/2/18 at 9:48 pm to Mingo Was His NameO
quote:
I'm not trying to be a dick, but your dog is 15.
I'm not disagreeing with you. She's had a quality life. But even at 15, based upon her size, she's "only" 76 years old.
Posted on 1/2/18 at 9:51 pm to Will Cover
Couldn’t necessarily hurt to run the screening test. Being that the cholesterol and triglycerides are high with a high ALP I would certainly run it. Cushing’s disease appears in middle aged to older dogs.
An X-ray would typically show an enlarged liver in this disease. An ultrasound would help rule out an cholestatic or biliary flow issues.
An X-ray would typically show an enlarged liver in this disease. An ultrasound would help rule out an cholestatic or biliary flow issues.
This post was edited on 1/2/18 at 9:54 pm
Posted on 1/2/18 at 9:53 pm to Will Cover
Sounds like a bone cancer/ marrow issue, although liver/ biliary issues can cause some of those same elevations, would think the former issues in that age group...
Posted on 1/2/18 at 9:55 pm to Make It Rayne
quote:
Couldn’t necessarily hurt to run the screening test. Being that the cholesterol and triglycerides are high with a high ALP I would certainly run it. Cushing’s disease appears in middle aged to older dogs.
But given her age, does it make sense to even "know?" Not trying to sound insensitive. Just being realistic as I know her time here on earth is limited, high ALKP or not. I just want to make sure she is comfortable and still enjoys being a dog.
quote:
An X-ray would typically show an enlarged liver in this disease
This was done about 7 or 8 months ago. The x-ray came back normal.
This post was edited on 1/2/18 at 9:57 pm
Posted on 1/2/18 at 9:56 pm to CamdenTiger
quote:
Sounds like a bone cancer/ marrow issue, although liver/ biliary issues can cause some of those same elevations, would think the former issues in that age group...
She actually had an x-ray on her body about 7 or 8 months ago. Everything looked normal.
Posted on 1/2/18 at 10:00 pm to Will Cover
Really just depends on the owner’s decision. If you’re curious, wouldn’t hurt. Dex suppression test usually runs about $150. This test would help confirm the suspicions of cushing’s. Otherwise, sure, let the dog be itself. It’s all about quality of life. I’ve diagnosed some just based on a high ALP and they turned out to be positive for the condition. A recheck on the bloodwork a few weeks later brought the dogs levels back to normal.
This post was edited on 1/2/18 at 10:02 pm
Posted on 1/2/18 at 10:03 pm to Make It Rayne
quote:
Really just depends on the owner’s decision. If you’re curious, wouldn’t hurt.
I am, but I also ask myself, what would I do if I knew the results? Would I put her on heavy medications or treatment at her age? Most likely, no.
quote:
Otherwise, sure, let the dog be itself. It’s all about quality of life.
I've always said that when a dog stops being a dog and becomes a patient, then it is time. And right now, she's still very much a dog. So I hope this continues for a long while.
Posted on 1/2/18 at 10:04 pm to Will Cover
Medication is easy. Pill once a day with food.
Posted on 1/2/18 at 10:05 pm to Will Cover
EDIT: my mistake, I read that too quickly
I think I'd consider the cushing's test for now and possibly ultraound later on if nothing comes of the testing.
I think I'd consider the cushing's test for now and possibly ultraound later on if nothing comes of the testing.
This post was edited on 1/2/18 at 10:16 pm
Posted on 1/2/18 at 10:09 pm to AubieALUMdvm
He’s already used denamarin and results didn’t change.
Posted on 1/2/18 at 10:11 pm to Make It Rayne
Was the thyroid on the low end of normal?
Posted on 1/2/18 at 10:35 pm to Make It Rayne
I need to take a look at results. I'll update in morning. 
Posted on 1/2/18 at 10:43 pm to Will Cover
quote:
But even at 15, based upon her size, she's "only" 76 years old.
15 x 7 is 105. Pretty good run.
Posted on 1/3/18 at 8:52 am to Giantkiller
quote:
15 x 7 is 105. Pretty good run.
Not accurate.
Dogs mature more quickly than we do early on. So the first year of your fuzzy friend's life is equal to about 15 human years.
Size and breed also play a role. Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger ones, but they may mature more quickly in the first few years of life. A huge pup might age more slowly at first, but be nearing middle age at 5. Tiny and toy breeds don't become "seniors" until around age 10. Medium-sized pooches are somewhere in the middle on both counts.
Posted on 1/3/18 at 8:54 am to Make It Rayne
quote:
Was the thyroid on the low end of normal?
I don't see the results for thyroid (TSH) on this test. Would it be listed under a different abbreviation or is this a completely different test?
Posted on 1/3/18 at 9:40 am to Will Cover
Not a vet but elevated ALKP is very common in older dogs. +1000 does seem a bit high though even taking that into consideration.
Page 1 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News