Common Reasons for Increased Alkaline Phosphatase in Dogs
Blood tests of our furry friends are an important part of preventive examinations and diagnostic measures. As a dog owner, it can be quite challenging to keep track of all the values. In this article, learn what alkaline phosphatase (AP or ALP in dogs) is and what changes mean.
What is Alkaline Phosphatase?
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found in many organs such as the liver, bones, kidneys, intestines, and placenta. Altered values of the enzyme in the blood can provide indications of various diseases. In laboratory results, the enzyme is often abbreviated as “AP.”
The normal values of alkaline phosphatase can vary depending on the determination method. It is best to refer to the reference range provided by the laboratory.
What Do Changes in Alkaline Phosphatase Mean?
Since alkaline phosphatase occurs in several organs, the value in the blood can deviate from the norm in various diseases. In the case of a deviation, the alkaline phosphatase in dogs is elevated and thus too high in most cases.
As a dog owner, you will often hear about this enzyme in connection with →liver diseases, as alkaline phosphatase is one of the so-called liver enzymes.
In addition to liver diseases, the following reasons are often responsible for altered AP values:
Cholestasis (Bile Stasis)
Cholestasis refers to a stasis of bile. Normally, bile is produced by liver cells and enters the small intestine. Part of the bile is stored in the gallbladder. When there is a bile stasis, more alkaline phosphatase is produced, which in turn increases the value in the blood.
Steroids
Steroids primarily include cortisol, which is used to treat certain diseases. Steroids lead to an increased production of alkaline phosphatase, which can be detected in the blood. Also, in the case of the so-called Cushing's syndrome, there is a disease-related increase in cortisol, which can lead to elevated alkaline phosphatase.
Bone Changes
Due to growth, elevated AP values in young dogs are normal to a certain extent and not concerning. Puppies also have different nutritional requirements than adult furry friends and therefore need →special puppy food.
However, if alkaline phosphatase is elevated in adult dogs, it may indicate a bone fracture, osteomyelitis, or a bone tumor.
Other possible causes of elevated alkaline phosphatase:
- Diabetes Mellitus
- →Hypothyroidism
- →Pancreatitis
- The administration of phenobarbital for the treatment of →epilepsy
For the interpretation of an altered laboratory value, it is always important to assess the entire laboratory result together with the clinical examination of your dog and, if necessary, further investigations.
Trust your veterinarian when evaluating blood tests and have everything explained to you in detail. Together, you will find the best solution for your four-legged friend.
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Lowering Alkaline Phosphatase in Dogs
If your dog has an elevated AP value, there is no direct remedy to lower it - and that is not always necessary. Because: The progression is crucial here. Regular examinations and monitoring of liver values are sufficient for now. If there is an underlying disease, it is essential to find the correct cause and not just address individual symptoms or values. It is important to consider the overall liver function to initiate further steps if a therapy is recommended after diagnosis by veterinarians.
