Thread: Elevated Liver Levels - Labrador

Originally Posted by ManitaD

Hi All.

I have just received my 6 year old (in-tact) male labrador's blood results and his liver related levels are elevated: ALT 231; Amylase 944; RBC 8.5; Hemoglobin 206 and Hematocrit 0.58.

What advice can you give on the best course of action please? I would first like to try a new food (diet) as he did go on to a new food several moths ago and gained 7llbs as it's high in protein, etc, and also accompany it with SAMe. Then, following a few weeks (how many I am unsure) get another test done to see if the levels have dropped. This just seems worth a try to me before jumping right in with biopsies, etc. But, I could be wrong. Please help with advice.

He is showing no signs of jaundice, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, etc.

Thank you!

PS. Also, what is the best type of food I should buy that will give him the best nutrients and help his liver? And the best SAMe too?

I had a Cocker Spaniel with liver problems that were very severe when they came on...vomitting coffee ground looking blood, lethargy, walking in circles, etc.
The vet basically felt that a biopsy is a waste of time (at her age-12), because if it was cancer, we probably would just keep her comfortable if possible, and if it wasn't then the treatment he would give should help. She was on something for ulcers (Metrozinole?), SamE, Adenosol 223 and something else. (There was a thread that I posted on about 2 yrs ago where I listed the meds if you want to search for it.)
Apparently the adenosol 223 is the only (or was at the time) drug that will actually help rebuild the liver. The dog had terrible bloodwork when first admitted to ICU. She was there 3 days on IV's, then came home. Ate Hills prescription diet for liver problems. We redid bloodwork in 30 days and it came back perfect.
Based on that, I personally would not do a liver biopsy, due to the risks. I'd just treat like we did. But that was me, with an older dog. YMMV. Talk to your vet, and don't be afraid of getting a 2nd opinion if you still don't feel comfortable with recommended treatment.

Has he been tested for Lyme disease and Erlichea? Talk to your vet about diseases that can cause elevated liver enzymes.