Understanding Elevated Liver Enzyme in Dogs

Written By Dana Brigman

How To Reduce Liver Enzymes

A common issues with dogs, especially on kibble fed diets, recurring vaccines, flea and tick medications and other products / environments that can tax the liver.

Ideas to reduce liver enzymes in your dog.

The Function of the Liver In Dogs

  • waste management organ to rid the body of toxins and excrete bile

  • bile aids in the digestion of fats

  • production of glycogen for energy storage

  • protein production

70% of a liver could be damaged before any symptoms are present. This is why it’s very important for us to take care of the liver proactively. It’s why you see me recommending liver detox following vaccines or any “insult” to the liver. It’s why I suggest a proactive detox moving into summer before the chemical load and the season of liver begin, and as you enter Fall following the summer chemical load.

It is also important to note, when the liver is working harder, the pancreas and kidneys will have to work harder as well. Therefore, it’s important to support the whole body. Anything that helps the liver helps the pancreas and kidneys. If you are diabetic your liver is not functioning properly -- and passes poorly broken-down content to the pancreas.   Digestive Enzymes should be considered.

Anything the liver cannot manage damages the pancreas.

Elevated Liver Enzymes does not mean your dog has liver disease, but you should definitely take action to reduce results that are out of range.

Elevated liver enzymes in dogs refer to a condition where the levels of certain enzymes in the blood are higher than normal. These enzymes are produced by the liver cells and are a sign that the liver is not functioning properly.

Causes of Elevated Liver Enzymes

  • Liver disease

  • Autoimmune Disorders

  • Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease)

  • Cancer

  • Trauma

  • Toxins, Poisons, Petrochemicals

  • Medications, NSAIDS, Corticosteroids

  • High Carb Diets, Sugar Intake

  • Diabetes, Obesity

  • High Iron

Symptoms of Elevated Liver Enzymes

  • Edema / Swelling

  • Bruising, Bleeding, Clotting Issues

  • Jaundice

  • Itching

  • Gall Bladder Issues

Specific Markers Tested In Labwork

  1. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): one of the most useful enzymes for determining health in dogs and cats. ALT is often referred to as SGPT (serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase), and its presence indicates healthy liver cells. An increase in ALT usually signals potential injury (or insult) in your pet's liver.

  2. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): is a key indicator of liver and muscle disease. While it may not be as specific to liver damage as ALT, it can indicate infection or inflammation in the organ. May be associated with heart disease or muscle injury. Steps can be taken to improve results and minimize further damage.

  3. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): may be elevated in the case of liver disease, use of prescription medications, or triggered by any inflammatory processes in the body. ALP is an enzyme found in many tissues throughout the body, including the liver, bones, and intestines. Elevated ALP levels in dogs can indicate liver disease, gallbladder disease, or bone disease. Puppies also have naturally higher levels of ALP, which usually decreases as they mature.This enzyme does not give great insight into liver function at this time.

  4. GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transferase) is usually elevated in cases of bile stagnation in the liver or by obstructed bile ducts. Elevated GGT levels in dogs can indicate liver disease or damage and are often used to monitor liver function during treatment or follow-up after a diagnosis of liver disease.

  5. Bilirubin (BIL): Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down. It is typically excreted in the bile, which is why it is often associated with jaundice. High levels of bilirubin can indicate a problem with the liver or with the red blood cells.

  6. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): LDH is an enzyme found in many tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, and muscles. Elevated levels of LDH in dogs can indicate liver disease, as well as other conditions such as muscle injury or hypoxia (lack of oxygen).

Reducing Elevated Liver Enzymes:

  • Fresh Foods Diet

  • Elimination of Toxic Substances

  • Avoidance of toxic substances

Foods & Supplements To Reduce Liver Enzymes

  • Fresh Food is Best

  • Like supports like and we may consider an increase in liver in your dog’s diet. Fresh, young liver (from young animals) is ideal. You also want to explore organic liver to avoid copper excess issues.

  • Antioxidant-rich foods: Foods high in antioxidants, such as wolfberries, blueberries, cranberries, and carrots, can help reduce oxidative stress in the liver.

  • Leafy Greens Vegetables

  • Green Supplements

  • Fiber-rich foods: Fiber-rich foods, such as celery, asparagus, pumpkin and sweet potatoes, can help promote regular bowel movements and remove toxins from the body.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish such as salmon and sardines, can help reduce inflammation and support liver health.

  • Milk Thistle: This herb is a natural liver tonic and may help support liver function and reduce elevated liver enzymes.

  • S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe): SAMe is a dietary supplement that may help support liver function and reduce elevated liver enzymes.

  • N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): NAC is a supplement that may help support liver function and reduce elevated liver enzymes.

  • Glutathione — a naturally produced antioxidant in the liver but may need support when the liver is struggling or toxin load is significant,

    • The amino acids N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) are glutathione precursors and may help the body produce glutathione.

  • Foods to avoid with liver concerns: higher fat foods (duck, lamb) all rendered fats, processed foods (this includes canned and kibble)

Essential oils that may support liver detoxification include:

  • Ledum

  • Grapefruit oil

  • Lime

  • Rose

  • Ylang Ylang

  • Raindrop for the overall detoxification properties

Homeopathy

  • Thuja - for the detoxification effects on vaccines, lumps, bumps and other skin tags that may be a result of the liver being unable to eliminate toxins.

Herbs:

  • Milk Thistle: Known for its liver-protective properties, milk thistle may help support liver function and detoxification.Prot

  • Dandelion: This herb is a natural diuretic that may help flush toxins from the liver. (Beneficial for the kidneys too)

  • Turmeric: This herb has anti-inflammatory properties and may help support liver function and detoxification.

  • Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help stimulate bile production, which is important for liver detoxification.

See My Liver Cleanse Detox Protocol

Dana Brigman
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