moudy

Dear Vet,

Our 16yr old kelpie cross has lost 3kg already, blood results show elevated liver enzymes. The vet suggests an u/s which may not be conclusive, also diet and medications or to just let things be- our choice. We want the best for his wellbeing. I remember last year around August he had 6 teeth removed and the pre-op bloods also showed raised LFT,s but 3 weeks later his LFT check was normal. Now it is happening again? Surely if it was cancer he would have been dead by now, so we dont want to jump the gun and say it is cancer this time, although this time his muscles are wasting and he is fatiqued, still insist on walkies but with lots of rest stops. How can we help him best at this time, he looks to us for relief. he still loves his food. he vomited yellow a few weeks ago but not since, he may pooh twice daily which he has done for quite a while. He has no jaundice. What do you suggest is the best way to go.
Are natural liver/immunity support supplements containing dandelion, echinae, ashwagandaand milk thistle) ok?
Thankyou for your time and patience and any advice you can give.

Yours sincerely
Moudy


My Comment:

Hi Moudy

Being limited, giving you writen advice in this way, I will try to give you some use full general advice.

Yes, cancer should be less likely. If this was the case of his raised liver function test the first time it should not have got better in a few weeks time. It is not that likely.

The fact he is loosing weight, I would also consider kidney disease as well. Both live and kidney diseases can cause protein loss. The body will take proteins from the body and the body weight will go down.

Ultra sound could be an idea, but as you vet knows might not be conclusive. It could give some information if the liver parenchyme is normal or not. If there is a liver tumor this might be possible to show up as well.

Liver problems is not that seldom seen in old dogs. I often prefer to do non invasive test as mush as possible. I would not recommend any liver biopsies in a 16 year old dog but this is ultimately up to you vet to decide as he has his "hands on" you dog.

I would make sure the kidney are working fine and check the albumin in the blood. Then you might see some benefit from a treatment of antibiotics (metronidazole or amoxiciline) and use some milk thistle supplementation.

I use Denosyl on my clinic as a liver supplement and you can read more about this in my "Liver Disease" section.

A liver diet can be beneficial as well, but in my opinion only if your dog find it being a tasty dog food and eats it with good appetite.

All the best to you and you old friend.

I hope this could at some help to your both.

Per Schonbeck