Blood biochemistry test shows what it shows in dogs. Blood analysis in dogs: general information and interpretation of results. Changes in calcium levels

Norms general analysis blood in dogs are as follows:

Hemoglobin

The blood pigment of red blood cells that carries oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Promotion:
- polycythemia (increased number of red blood cells)
- stay at high altitudes
- excessive physical activity
- dehydration, blood thickening
Decrease:
- anemia

Red blood cells

Nuclear-free formed elements of blood containing hemoglobin. Make up the bulk shaped elements blood. The average for a dog is 4–6.5 thousand*10^6/l. Cats - 5-10 thousand * 10^6/l.
Increased (erythrocytosis):
-bronchopulmonary pathology, heart defects, polycystic kidney disease, neoplasms of the kidneys, liver, dehydration.
Decrease:
- anemia, acute blood loss, chronic inflammatory process, overhydration.

The sedimentation rate of erythrocytes in the form of a column when blood settles. Depends on the number of red blood cells, their “weight” and shape, and on the properties of the plasma - the amount of proteins (mainly fibrinogen), viscosity.
The norm is 0–10 mm/h.
Promotion:
- infections
- inflammatory process
- malignant tumors
- anemia
- pregnancy
No increase in the presence of the above reasons:
- polycythemia
- decrease in plasma fibrinogen levels.

Platelets

Blood plates formed from giant cells bone marrow. Responsible for blood clotting.
Normal blood content is 190-550?10^9 l.
Promotion:
- polycythemia
- myeloid leukemia
- inflammatory process
- condition after removal of the spleen, surgical operations. Decrease:
- system autoimmune diseases(systemic lupus erythematosus)
- aplastic anemia
- hemolytic anemia

Leukocytes

White blood cells. Formed in red bone marrow. Function - protection against foreign substances and microbes (immunity). The average for dogs is 6.0–16.0?10^9/l. For cats - 5.5–18.0?10^9/l.
There are different types of white blood cells with specific functions (see. leukocyte formula), That's why diagnostic value has a number change individual species, and not all leukocytes in general.
Increased - leukocytosis
- leukemia
- infections, inflammation
- state after acute bleeding, hemolysis
- allergies
- with a long course of corticosteroids
Decreased - leukopenia
- some infections, bone marrow pathology (aplastic anemia)
- increased function spleen
- genetic abnormalities immunity
- anaphylactic shock

Leukocyte formula

Percentage different types leukocytes.

1. Neutrophils

2.Eosinophils

Participate in immediate hypersensitivity reactions. They are rare.
Norm - 0-1% of total number leukocytes.
Increased - basophilia
- allergic reactions to the introduction of a foreign protein, including an allergy to food
- chronic inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract
- hypothyroidism
- blood diseases ( acute leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis)

4.Lymphocytes

Basic cells immune system. Fight viral infections. Destroy foreign cells and altered own cells (recognize foreign proteins - antigens and selectively destroy cells containing them - specific immunity), release antibodies (immunoglobulins) into the blood - substances that block antigen molecules and remove them from the body.
The norm is 18-25% of the total number of leukocytes.
Increased - lymphocytosis:
- hyperthyroidism
- viral infections
- lymphocytic leukemia
Decreased - lymphopenia:
- use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants
- malignant neoplasms
- renal failure
- chronic diseases liver
- immunodeficiency states
- circulatory failure

The de Ritis coefficient in cats and dogs is an indicator indicating cardiac or liver pathologies. It is widely used in both conventional and veterinary medicine.

It can be used to differentiate many diseases with vague symptoms. This article will help you understand in detail what the de Ritis coefficient is, what it means and how to determine it.

general information

Everyone knows that treating a disease at the very beginning gives more effective result and more favorable prognoses for cure. But for the purpose necessary treatment important timely detection diseases.

Today in medicine and veterinary medicine various modern means to early stages diagnose various diseases. One of them is taking blood for various tests, including blood for biochemistry. It is in this analysis that the indicators of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase are determined. These enzymes have a special role in the process of protein metabolism - helping to convert amino acids. The ratio of these enzymes is calculated by calculating the de Ritis coefficient. And already by this coefficient they determine the presence of problems in the body and in which organ they exist.

The coefficient owes its name to the Italian scientist de Ritis. It was he who determined the significance of enzyme levels in blood tests and, having calculated their ratio, introduced the coefficient itself into practice.

De Ritis coefficient in dogs and cats

The coefficient in animals is determined in the same way as in humans - the ratio of two enzymes - aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). These enzymes are synthesized by the liver and myocardium.

Heart diseases accompanied by necrosis (infarction, ischemia) increase the level of AST in the blood by approximately 8-10 times. At this time, ALT is also increased, but less - 2-2.5 times.

If an animal has liver problems, the level of ALT in the blood increases by about 8-10 times, but AST increases by about 2 times.

The de Ritis ratio is determined by the ratio of AST to ALT. The resulting value of the indicator is determined in units/l. The norm for dogs and cats is 1.33-1.75 units/l.

Where are the enzymes AST and ALT located?

The above phenomena are due to the fact that AST is mainly produced in myocardial cells. When cells are damaged, the enzyme enters the bloodstream, using laboratory tests its increase is recorded.

ALT is produced by liver cells. When this organ is damaged, the cells begin to destroy, which ensures that alanine aminotransferase enters the vascular bed, that is, into the blood.

The need for a blood test

There are symptoms that indicate the need to take the animal to the veterinarian and donate blood for a biochemical analysis to check enzyme activity. This symptomatology coincides with the symptoms that appear in liver diseases. They are also characteristic of humans. This:

• Pigmentation of the skin, mucous membranes and sclera (a yellow tint appears).
• Vomit.
• Fatigue, tiredness (the animal lies down more and more).
• The color of urine (darkened) and stool (discolored) changed.

After passing the tests, the veterinarian will determine the activity of AST and ALT, deviations from the norm, and calculate the de Ritis coefficient - whether it is lowered or increased.

It should be noted that the coefficient itself is meaningless if the enzymes are at normal levels. And it is calculated only when the analysis shows an increase or decrease in the level of any enzyme, to determine where exactly the problems arose - in the liver or in the heart.

Significance of indicator changes

So, the animal got sick, after donating blood for a biochemical analysis, it is clear that the dog’s de Ritis coefficient is reduced. What does this mean? This indicator indicates an increase in alanine aminotransferase levels.

If it is below 1.33 units/l, but above one, this means that the animal has chronic liver disease. If the indicator drops below one, this indicates acute lesion liver. When the coefficient is equal to one, this indicates viral hepatitis, piroplasmosis, babesiosis and other acute pathologies.

An increase in the de Ritis coefficient in the analysis indicates an increase in aspartate aminotransferase in the blood. Most often, this indicator indicates myocardial infarction. This is an extremely rare pathology for animals; it occurs mainly in old dogs and cats. Sometimes this situation arises when there is congenital pathology blood vessels or in case of poisoning with cardiotoxic poisons.

An increased de Ritis ratio may also indicate liver pathologies. This is typical for cirrhosis. In humans, this situation is a typical sign of alcohol impairment.

But in cats and dogs alcoholic cirrhosis doesn't happen, that's why increased coefficient de Ritis points to chronic toxic lesions or as a consequence of long-term hepatitis.

The Ritis coefficient also determines how effective the treatment of the disease is. A decrease in this value indicates correctly selected treatment. But with treatment acute hepatitis It is important to monitor the overall AST indicator - it should also decrease.

Symptoms of liver diseases

Liver diseases are characterized by the following symptoms:

• Cytological.
• Mesenchymal-inflammatory.
• Cholestatic.

With each of them there are certain changes in the liver. Specific disease combines several syndromes. The Ritis coefficient is calculated for cytological syndrome. It determines the severity of liver damage. The manifestation of cytological syndrome is typical for viral, drug-induced, toxic and chronic active hepatitis, for acute injuries liver, cirrhosis.

What to do?

What to do if the Ritis coefficient changes in an animal? First of all, you need to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. He will hold correct diagnosis and will be able to make a diagnosis.

If the de Ritis coefficient is low in cats and dogs, then this may be chronic liver damage; the veterinarian will identify its cause. Perhaps this is damage to the organ by a virus. Then long-term therapy will be required.

Liver diseases are often caused by poor nutrition. Low-quality feed is not only not rich in its composition, but can also pose a danger to the animal. Unknown components lead to chronic poisoning, which primarily affects the liver. The liver is also affected if you feed the dog fatty meat(pork, lard lamb).

An increased coefficient indicates cardiac pathology. It must be clearly differentiated from liver cirrhosis.

In case of heart problems, the animal’s stress is minimized and appropriate therapy is recommended. Liver cirrhosis is a serious disease that cannot be cured and ultimately leads to the death of the animal.

It is important to understand here that the liver has the ability to regenerate. If there is at least 10% healthy tissue, then with the help of appropriate treatment the liver will be renewed, and this will prolong the life of the pet.

It is important to contact a veterinarian in time; in the early stages it is much easier to cure the disease.

• Glucose 3.3-6.0 Mmol/l
• Protein 54-77 g/l
• Albumin 25-37 g/l
• Cholesterol 3.3-7.0 Mmol/l
• Total bilirubin 0-7.5 µmol/l
• Alanine aminotransferase 10-55 U/l
• Aspartate aminotransferase 10-55 U/l
• Lactate dehydrogenase 50-495 U/l
• Alkaline phosphatase 10-150 U/l
• Gamma-glutamyltransferase 1-10 U/l
• Amylase 300-2000 U/l
• Urea 4.3-8.9 Mmol/l
• Creatinine 35-133 µmol/l
• Inorganic phosphorus 0.7-1.8 µmol/l
• Calcium 2.0-2.7 µmol/l
• Magnesium 0.72-1.2 µmol/l
• Uric acid up to 160 (according to P.F. Suter, 2001) µmol/l
• Triglycerides 0.56 (according to P.F. Suter 2001) µmol/l
• Electrolytes:
• Potassium (K+) 4.0-5.7 µmol/l
• Sodium (Na+) 141-155 µmol/l

Possible reasons for deviations from the norm

1.Glucose- a universal source of energy for cells - the main thing
a substance from which any cell in the body receives energy for life.
The body's need for energy, and therefore glucose, increases
parallel to physical and psychological stress under the influence of the hormone
stress - adrenaline, during growth, development, recovery (hormones
growth, thyroid gland, adrenal glands). Average value for dogs -
4.3-7.3 mmol/l, For the absorption of glucose by cells, normal
the content of insulin - a pancreatic hormone. In case of its deficiency
(diabetes mellitus) glucose cannot pass into cells, its level in the blood
elevated, and the cells are starving. Increased (hyperglycemia): - diabetes mellitus
(insulin deficiency) - physical or emotional load
(adrenaline release) - thyrotoxicosis (increased thyroid function
glands) - Cushing's syndrome (increased levels of adrenal hormone -
cortisol) - diseases of the pancreas (pancreatitis, tumor,
cystic fibrosis) - chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys Decreased
(hypoglycemia): - fasting - insulin overdose - diseases
pancreas (tumor of cells that synthesize insulin) -
tumors (excessive consumption of glucose as an energy source
tumor cells) - lack of function endocrine glands
(adrenal, thyroid, pituitary (growth hormone)) - severe
poisoning with liver damage (alcohol, arsenic, chlorine compounds,
phosphorus, salicylates, antihistamines)

2.Total protein"Life -
this is the way protein bodies exist.” Proteins are the main biochemical
criterion of life. They are part of all anatomical structures (muscles,
cell membranes), transport substances through the blood and into cells, accelerate
the course of biochemical reactions in the body, recognize substances - their
or strangers and protect from strangers, regulate metabolism, retain
liquid in blood vessels and do not allow it to go into the tissue. Squirrels
synthesized in the liver from food amino acids. Total blood protein consists of
two fractions: albumin and globulin. Average for dogs - 59-73 g/l,
Increased (hyperproteinemia): - dehydration (burns, diarrhea, vomiting -
relative increase protein concentration due to volume reduction
liquid) - multiple myeloma(excess production of gamma globulins)
Decreased (hypoproteinemia): - fasting (complete or protein - strict
vegetarianism, anorexia nervosa) - intestinal diseases (violation
absorption) - nephrotic syndrome (renal failure) -
increased consumption(blood loss, burns, tumors, ascites, chronic and
acute inflammation) - chronic liver failure (hepatitis,
cirrhosis)

3.Albumen- one of two factions total protein- transport.

The norm for dogs is 22-39 g/l, Increase (hyperalbuminemia): True
There is no such thing as (absolute) hyperalbuminemia. Relative occurs when
decrease in total fluid volume (dehydration) Decrease
(hypoalbuminemia): Same as for general hypoproteinemia.

4.Total bilirubin- a component of bile, consists of two fractions - indirect
(unbound), formed during the breakdown of blood cells (erythrocytes), and
direct (associated), formed from indirect in the liver and
excreted through the bile ducts into the intestines. Is coloring
substance (pigment), therefore, when it increases in the blood, it changes
skin color - jaundice. Increased (hyperbilirubinemia): - damage
liver cells (hepatitis, hepatosis - parenchymal jaundice) -
obstruction bile ducts(obstructive jaundice)

5.Urea- a product of protein metabolism that is removed by the kidneys. Part remains in
blood. The norm for a dog is 3-8.5 mmol/l, Increase: - dysfunction
kidney - obstruction urinary tract - increased content
protein in food - increased destruction of protein (burns, acute heart attack
myocardium) Reduction: - protein starvation - excess protein intake
(pregnancy, acromegaly) - malabsorption

6.Creatinine -
final product metabolism of creatine synthesized in the kidneys and liver
of three amino acids (arginine, glycine, methionine). Completely isolated from
body by the kidneys through glomerular filtration, without being reabsorbed into
renal tubules. The norm for a dog is 30-170 µmol/l., Increased: -
impaired renal function (renal failure) - hyperthyroidism
Reduced: - pregnancy - age-related decreases muscle mass

7.Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) Enzyme produced by cells
liver, skeletal muscle and heart. The norm for a dog is 0-65 units, Increase: -
destruction of liver cells (necrosis, cirrhosis, jaundice, tumors) -
destruction muscle tissue(trauma, myositis, muscular dystrophy) - burns -
toxic effect medications on the liver (antibiotics, etc.)

8.Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)- An enzyme produced by cells
heart, liver, skeletal muscle and red blood cells. Average content
dogs - 10-42 units, Increase: - damage to liver cells (hepatitis,
toxic damage from drugs, liver metastases) - severe
physical activity - heart failure - burns, heat stroke

9.Gamma-glutamyltransferase (Gamma-GT)- An enzyme produced
cells of the liver, pancreas, and thyroid gland. dogs - 0-8
ED, Increase: - liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer) -
pancreatic diseases (pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus) -
hyperthyroidism (hyperfunction of the thyroid gland)

10.Alpha-Amylase
-Enzyme produced by cells of the pancreas and parotid saliva
iron The norm for a dog is 550-1700 units, Increase: - pancreatitis (inflammation
pancreas) - mumps (inflammation of the parotid salivary glands s) -
diabetes mellitus - gastric and intestinal volvulus - peritonitis Decreased: -
pancreatic insufficiency - thyrotoxicosis
Potassium, sodium, chlorides - Provide electrical properties of cellular
membranes By different sides cell membrane is specially supported
difference in concentration and charge: there is more sodium and chloride outside the cell, and
potassium inside, but less than sodium outside - this creates
the potential difference between the sides of the cell membrane is the resting charge,
which allows the cell to be alive and respond to nerve impulses,
participating in the systemic activities of the body. Losing charge, cell
leaves the system because cannot perceive brain commands. That.,
sodium and chlorides are extracellular ions, potassium is intracellular. Except
maintaining the resting potential, these ions take part in the generation and
carrying out nerve impulse- action potential. Regulation
mineral metabolism in the body (hormones of the adrenal cortex) is directed
on sodium retention, which is not enough in natural food(without
table salt) and the removal of potassium from the blood, where it enters during
destruction of cells. Ions along with other solutes
retain fluid: cytoplasm inside cells, extracellular fluid V
tissues, blood - in blood vessels, regulating arterial pressure,
preventing the development of edema. Chlorides are included in gastric juice.

11.Potassium: dogs - 3.6-5.5, Increased potassium (hyperkalemia): -
cell damage (hemolysis - destruction of blood cells, severe
fasting, cramps, severe injuries) - dehydration - acute renal
insufficiency (impaired excretion by the kidneys) - hyperadrenocorticosis
Decreased potassium (hypokalemia) - impaired renal function - excess
hormones of the adrenal cortex (including taking dosage forms cortisone) -
hypoadrenocorticosis

12.Dog sodium- 140-155, Increase
sodium (hypernatremia) excessive retention (increased cortical function
adrenal glands) - disturbance of central regulation water-salt metabolism
(hypothalamic pathology, coma) Reduced sodium (hyponatremia): - loss
(abuse of diuretics, kidney pathology, adrenal
insufficiency) - decreased concentration due to increased volume
fluids (diabetes mellitus, chronic heart failure, cirrhosis
liver, nephrotic syndrome, edema)

13.Dog chlorides –
105-122, Increased chlorides: - dehydration - acute renal
deficiency - diabetes insipidus- salicylate poisoning -
increased function of the adrenal cortex Decreased chlorides: - profuse
diarrhea, vomiting, - increased fluid volume

14.Calcium Dogs–
2.25-3 mmol/l, Participates in the conduction of nerve impulses, especially in
heart muscle. Like all ions, it retains fluid in the vascular bed,
preventing the development of edema. Required for muscle contraction,
blood clotting. Included in bone tissue and tooth enamel. Level in
blood is regulated by hormone parathyroid glands and vitamin D.
Parathyroid hormone increases the level of calcium in the blood, washing it out of the bones,
increasing absorption in the intestines and delaying excretion by the kidneys.
Increased (hypercalcemia): - increased function parathyroid gland -
malignant tumors affecting bones (metastases, myeloma,
leukemia) - excess vitamin D - dehydration Decreased (hypocalcemia):
- decreased thyroid function - vitamin D deficiency - chronic
renal failure - magnesium deficiency

15.Phosphorus
inorganic Dogs– 0.8-2.3, Element included in nucleic acid
acids, bone tissue and the main energy supply systems of the cell - ATP.
Regulated in parallel with calcium levels. Increase: - destruction
bone tissue (tumors, leukemia) - excess vitamin D - healing
fractures - endocrine disorders- renal failure Decreased: -
growth hormone deficiency - vitamin D deficiency - malabsorption,
severe diarrhea, vomiting - hypercalcemia

16.Phosphatase alkaline
Dogs– 0-100, Enzyme formed in bone tissue, liver,
intestines, placenta, lungs. Increase: - pregnancy - increased
metabolism in bone tissue ( fast growth, healing of fractures, rickets,
hyperparathyroidism) - bone diseases (osteogenic sarcoma, metastases
bone cancer) - liver disease Decreased: - hypothyroidism (hypofunction
thyroid gland) - anemia (anemia) - lack of vitamin C, B12,
zinc, magnesium LIPIDS Lipids (fats) - necessary for a living organism
substances. The main lipid that humans obtain from food and
which then produces its own lipids - cholesterol. He enters
compound cell membranes, maintains their strength. Out of him
so-called are synthesized steroid hormones: hormones of the adrenal cortex,
regulating water-salt and carbohydrate metabolism, adapting
the body to new conditions; sex hormones. Formed from cholesterol
bile acids involved in the absorption of fats in the intestines. From
cholesterol in the skin under the influence sun rays vitamin is synthesized
D, necessary for the absorption of calcium. If the integrity is damaged
vascular wall and/or excess cholesterol in the blood, it is deposited on
wall and forms cholesterol plaque. This condition is called
vascular atherosclerosis: plaques narrow the lumen, interfere with blood flow,
disrupt the smoothness of blood flow, increase blood clotting,
promote the formation of blood clots. The liver produces various
complexes of lipids with proteins circulating in the blood: lipoproteins
high, low and very low density (HDL, LDL, VLDL); general
cholesterol is divided between them. Low and very low lipoproteins
densities are deposited in plaques and contribute to the progression
atherosclerosis. Lipoproteins high density due to the presence in them
a special protein - apoprotein A1 - promotes “stretching”
cholesterol from plaques and play a protective role, stopping
atherosclerosis. To assess the risk of a condition, it is not the total level that is important
total cholesterol, and the ratio of its fractions.

17.General
Cholesterol Dogs– 2.9-8.3, Increase: - liver disease -
hypothyroidism (underfunction of the thyroid gland) - ischemic
heart disease (atherosclerosis) - hyperadrenocorticism Decreased: -
enteropathies accompanied by loss of protein - hepatopathy (portocaval
anastomosis, cirrhosis) - malignant neoplasms - poor nutrition

If something is wrong with the dog, the attentive owner notices it and takes it to the veterinarian for examination. But not all diseases can be determined purely by visual examination of the animal. In most cases, the doctor refers the patient for tests that help confirm or refute the preliminary diagnosis. In particular, such an auxiliary study is a biochemical blood test and determination of the levels of AST and ALT. Let's find out about this in detail.

Briefly about enzymes

When conducting a biochemical blood test, enzyme activity is determined. This is the name given to protein molecules that accelerate the course of basic reactions in the body. A synonym for the term “enzyme” is “enzyme”. What is an enzyme? It consists of the protein part itself (apoenzyme) and the active center (coenzyme). It is coenzymes that accelerate biochemical reactions.

All enzymes are divided into several types depending on their tasks. For example, dehydrogenases carry out reduction and oxidation, hydrolases carry out cleavage.

About elevated ALT levels

A protein molecule called ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is responsible for transferring amino acids from one molecule to another. ALT is synthesized in cells. This means that the enzyme activity in the dog’s blood is low. An increase in its level in healthy dogs can be caused by taking antibiotics, antitumor drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, valerian. Also in domestic animals, an increase in this enzyme may indicate strong physical activity. This happens at service dogs during the period of their active preparation for work. Also high level enzyme may be a sign of injury (impact to the liver).

It is worth noting that high ALT activity often serves specific symptom acute illness liver. However, the figures may be higher normal level 5-10 times. If such a level of enzyme is observed long time, then this could be a sign of a serious liver condition. It's about about cirrhosis, hepatitis, tumor. It is these reasons that are the basis for the jump in the level of alanine aminotransferase in the body of dogs.

About increasing AST levels in dogs

The full name of this enzyme is aspartate aminotransferase. This substance is from the group of transaminases. AST transfers aspartate amino acids from one molecule to another. In newborn puppies, a two to threefold increase in the level of this enzyme is normal. If such an indicator is observed in adult dogs, then this may be evidence of hepatonecrosis, jaundice, hypoglycemia, dehydration, hypocholesterolemia and collapse.

Often it is hepatocellular necrosis that leads to an increase in AST levels in the blood of pets. This pathology, in turn, can be provoked by toxic medications in dogs. These veterinarians include Phenotoin, Primidon, Phenobarbital, benzimidazole anthelmintics, for example, Mebendazole and Oxibendazole. In addition to drugs, hepatonecrosis in pet may cause ingestion of toxins, such as fly agaric alkaloids; paracetamol; carbon tetrachloride. Liver cirrhosis late stage in a dog, chronic active hepatitis also cause an increase in the level of the AST enzyme.

In addition to liver diseases and dysfunction, increased performance of this substance can also be observed in other pathologies. Thus, severe anemia may be the cause of high aspartate aminotransferase levels in dogs; heart failure; diabetes; hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism; cholestatic disease; neoplasia.

So, when a pet has a high level of the above enzyme after conducting appropriate tests, the veterinarian must first rule out liver disease. It is more often diagnosed in older, elderly dogs who have a genetic predisposition to it. If everything is fine with this organ in the dog, then the doctor prescribes additional research and tests, based on their results, prescribes certain medicines for pet.

ALT or Alanine aminotransferase is an enzyme that is produced in the liver, kidneys, skeletal muscles and reflects their condition. The level of its content increases when the above organs are damaged, and in healthy body it is contained in small quantities.

In dogs, unlike in humans, ALT almost entirely concentrated in the liver, which is why its indicator has a significant impact on the body. When the cells of this organ, and those in which ALT is also secreted, such as the pancreas, are destroyed, the enzyme is released into the blood plasma.

In this case, the following symptoms can be observed:

1. Weakness— perhaps the pet got tired quickly after a walk or sleeps longer than usual.
2. Loss of appetite.
3. Nausea or vomiting- it may be simple poisoning, but if before this the dog ate without much appetite and did not chew anything during a walk, then this is not the reason.
4. Yellowing of the whites of the eyes- this is always a sign of liver problems.
5. Darkening of urine. Yellow is hers natural color, which is explained by urobilin, a derivative of bilirubin, which is very toxic. Its excretion by the kidneys is an important process for life. A sudden darkening to brown indicates muscle breakdown and increased ALT levels. Of course, this effect can also appear if the animal has previously been overexerted in training.
6. Light-colored stool- for problems with the functioning of the pancreas.

main reason

ALT is generally very sensitive. It reacts even to minor damage to the liver tissue and depends on the degree pathological process this organ.

The most common reason is hepatopathy- liver damage disease. This is a condition in which one or more functions of this body doesn't work fully

Causes liver failure are divided into two groups.

First. Viral or infectious hepatitis

It is also known as Rubart's disease, infectious inflammation liver. This is a disease manifested by pronounced liver damage, which entails an increase in ALT levels.

Hepatitis most often affects 2-6 month old puppies, as well as wild carnivores. The source of infection is already sick dogs, often stray ones, which transmit the virus through urine, nasal or eye mucus.

When infected, the virus first enters the membranes respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, after which it multiplies and after a few days, spreading along with blood and lymph, it affects internal organs, primarily the liver.

Signs viral hepatitis are depressed state, refusal to eat, diarrhea, light-colored stool

color, blurred eyes, pain in the liver area, as a result of which dogs often sit with their paws widely spaced. The symptoms are combined with the condition of dogs from increased alanine aminotransferase.

The disease can develop at lightning speed, killing the carrier within a day, without any characteristic features, and long-term, chronically. Wherein Clinical signs less pronounced and short-lived. The temperature may rise for a short time, and fatigue is more visible after a walk. Chronically ill female dogs often give birth to nonviable or already dead puppies.

If there are signs of illness, you should immediately contact veterinarian, if for some reason it is impossible to provide professional examination and treatment, the following steps should be taken:

1. It is necessary to place the animal in a warm place, but not stuffy room. Provide drinking plenty of fluids and feed easily digestible vitamin mixtures for dogs.
2. Once every three days you need to do enemas to cleanse the intestines of toxic contents.
3. If vomiting and diarrhea are observed, you need to deprive the dog of food for the next day, giving him clean water.

Under no circumstances should you put off going to the vet for more than a week.

Second. Pathological processes

These are extreme conditions such as shock, trauma and burns, diseases such as diabetes mellitus. In all these cases, there is an increase in ALT if the process somehow affects the liver. The situation in such cases is less dangerous.

In this condition, the most important thing to do is to provide rest to the animal, and also consult a doctor.

Other reasons

1. Pregnancy. If your dog is waiting for a refill, ALT increases without danger to life. They go in the body complex processes, it is being rebuilt to new conditions.
2. Some drugs can often affect alanine aminotransferase levels. For example, various painkillers.
3. Pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas, in which ALT is also released. The pancreas produces enzymes necessary for digestion raw meat, and if in the dog’s diet for a long time sweets, smoked foods, fatty foods, well-fried foods, cooked foods, etc. predominate; its operation malfunctions. The disease can be determined by palpating the stomach to the left of the navel; the dog will react to this extremely painfully. Also, due to the fact that the body stops absorbing glucose, its level in the blood rises, and the animal dries out. oral cavity; vomiting is often observed when trying to eat something, itchy skin. Treatment of pancreatitis consists of short-term fasting and taking medications prescribed by a veterinarian and diet.
4. Cardiac surgeries, after which ALT remains elevated for another week.