How Long Can A Dog Live With High Liver Enzymes [2024]

High liver enzymes in dogs are a common concern for pet owners. Many wonder how long their dog can live with elevated liver enzymes and what can be done to help their pet. The liver is an important organ responsible for filtering toxins from the bloodstream, producing bile, and regulating metabolism. Elevated liver enzymes indicate that the liver is not functioning properly.

The degree of liver enzyme elevation should not be used to indicate prognosis. For example, a dog with acute liver injury may have severely increased serum ALT activity but can stil make a full recovery. Therefore, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the elevated liver enzymes and appropriate treatment.

How Long Can A Dog Live With High Liver Enzymes

One study found that dogs with elevated AST (≥40 IU/L) had their life expectancy cut short by 10.2 years, which doubled the number of years lost with elevated ALT. For all-cause and liver-related mortality, AST was an important predictor, better than ALT. This highlights the importance of monitoring liver enzymes and addressing any underlying issues.

Diet changes often help in treating elevated liver enzymes in dogs. Feeding a high-quality, low-fat diet can help reduce stress on the liver. Supplements such as SAM-E or milk thistle may also help the liver recover. Antibiotics may be used for infections of the liver. Surgery may be an option for dogs with tumors or cysts.

The ALKP in the blood will increase when bile is not flowing properly out of the liver. This may be because the liver is inflamed and thus preventing it. It will also increase with certain drugs, hormonal diseases, and bone growth in young dogs. Therefore, it is important to identify the underlying cause of the elevated ALKP and treat it accordingly.

Can Dogs Recover From High Liver Enzymes?

A dog can recover from high liver enzymes. The liver has a remarkable regenerative capacity, and the degree of liver enzyme elevation should not be used to indicted the prognosis of a dog. For instance, dogs with acute liver injury may have significantly increased serum ALT activity but can still make a full recovery. It is important to note that the underlying cause of the high liver enzymes needs to be identified and addressed promptly to ensure a successful recovery. In some cases, treatment may involve dietary changes, medication, or surgery. Regular monitoring of liver enzymes and liver function is also essential to ensure that the dog’s liver is functioning optimally. Therefore, with proper management and treatment, a dog can recover from high liver enzymes.

The Impact of Elevated Liver Enzymes on Life Expectancy

Elevated liver enzymes, such as AST (aspartate transaminase) and ALT (alanine transaminase), are not necessarily a death sentence, but they can indicate underlying health issues that can affect life expectancy. These enzymes are produced by the liver and released into the bloodstream when the liver is damaged or inflamed. Elevated levels of these enzymes can indicate liver disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease.

A study has shown that individuals with elevated AST levels (equal to or greater than 40 IU/L) had a life expectancy cut short by 10.2 years, which is double the number of years lost with elevated ALT levels. Additionally, AST was found to be a better predictor of all-cause and liver-related mortality compared to ALT. This suggests that elevated AST levels can have a greater impact on overall health and longevity than elevated ALT levels.

It is important to note that elevated liver enzymes do not necessarily mean that a person will develop liver disease or life-threatening complications. However, it is crucial to identify and treat the underlying cause of elevated liver enzymes to prevent further damage to the liver and improve overall health outcomes. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise, as well as medications or other interventions depending on the specific cause of the elevated enzymes. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

While elevated liver enzymes are not a death sentence, they can indicate underlying health issues that can impact life expectancy and overall health outcomes. It is important to identify and treat the underlying cause of elevated enzymes to prevent further complications and improve health outcomes.

Dealing with High Liver Enzymes in Dogs

If your dog’s liver enzymes are high, it is important to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible. They will perform a thorough physical examination and order blood tests to determine the cause of the elevated liver enzymes.

Based on the underlying cause, your veterinarian may recommend a variety of treatment options. Diet changes are often helpful, and your veterinarian can provide guidance on the best diet for your dog’s specific needs.

Supplements such as SAM-E or milk thistle may also be recommended to help support liver function and aid in recovery. Antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is present.

In some cases, surgery may be an option for dogs with liver tumors or cysts. However, this will depend on the specifics of your dog’s case and should be discussed with your veterinarian.

It is important to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations closely and schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your dog’s progress. Prompt treatment and management can help improve liver function and overall health.

The Causes of High Liver Enzymes in Dogs

When the liver enzymes in a dog’s blood are elevated, it may indicate liver disease or damage. There are several possible causes of high liver enzymes in dogs, including:

1. Inflammation: The liver can become inflamed due to infections, autoimmune diseases, toxins, or oter factors. This can cause an increase in liver enzymes such as ALT and AST.

2. Infection: Viral or bacterial infections can cause liver damage and increase liver enzyme levels.

3. Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or antibiotics, can cause liver damage and lead to elevated liver enzymes.

4. Toxicity: Exposure to toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals can damage the liver and cause an increase in liver enzymes.

5. Congenital conditions: Some dogs may be born with a liver defect that causes an increase in liver enzymes.

6. Cancer: Liver cancer or tumors can cause an increase in liver enzymes.

It is important to consult with a veterinarian if a dog’s liver enzymes are high. The underlying cause will need to be identified and treated in order to prevent further liver damage and maintain the dog’s overall health.

Conclusion

Dogs can suffer from various liver diseases that can affect their overall health and life expectancy. However, the degree of liver enzyme elevation should not be used to indicate prognosis as the liver has a large regenerative capacity. Elevated AST levels can predict all-cause and liver-related mortality better than ALT levels. Treatment options for liver diseases in dogs include diet changes, supplements such as SAM-E or milk thistle, antibiotics for infections, and surgery for tumors or cysts. It is important to monitor dogs for any signs of liver disease and seek veterinary care if necessary. By taking proper care of their liver health, dogs can lead long and healthy lives.