Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

LABORATORY TESTS • 579
ALT. Alanine aminotransferase is a liver enzyme that can increase in
dogs with virtually any liver damage.
ALP. Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that may increase in dogs
with liver or bone disease, or along with steroid use or Cushing’s disease.
It could also indicate bile problems. Phenobarbital, used to control
seizures, may also increase the levels of this enzyme.
Amylase. This is an enzyme manufactured primarily by the pancreas and
released into the digestive tract to help digest starch and glycogen. It
may be elevated in dogs with pancreatitis, kidney disease, or steroid use.
AST. Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme normally found in red
blood cells, the liver, the heart, muscle tissue, the pancreas, and the
kidneys. The test is used primarily as a measure of liver function. AST
levels may also increase in dogs with heart damage.
Bile acids. These tests are important for evaluating liver function. In
this case, two blood samples are needed: one taken before eating and
one two hours after eating.
Bilirubin. This is made in the liver from old red blood cells. This value
may increase in dogs with liver or gallbladder disease, or with diseases
that destroy red blood cells. Accumulation of this pigment in the body
may cause a yellow coloring or jaundice.
BUN. Blood urea nitrogen is protein waste material made by the liver
and eliminated via the kidneys. A low BUN may indicate liver disease
and a high BUN indicate kidney disease or dehydration.
Calcium. This mineral is very important for muscle and nerve action as
well as bone development. High calcium can be seen in dogs with certain
cancers, kidney failure, certain rodenticide poisonings, and
parathyroid problems. Low calcium can be seen in bitches after whelping
and nursing large litters and with some parathyroid problems.
Cholesterol. This level isn’t nearly as important in dogs as it is in
humans, and is not a factor in canine heart disease. Still, it is a fat and
increases can be seen in dogs with hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease,
and diabetes, among other problems.
Creatinine. This is a waste product of muscles and is normally removed
by the kidneys. An increase can indicate kidney disease.
CPK or CK. Creatinine phosphokinase or creatinine kinase are different
names for a muscle enzyme that increases with muscle damage,
including damage to the heart muscle.
Glucose. This is blood sugar. Levels are increased in dogs with diabetes
mellitus or Cushing’s disease, and with steroid use. Low blood sugar
may be due to certain cancers, insulin overdose, liver problems or
infection.