When people talk about liver values in dogs, they usually mean the enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and GLDH. Elevated values may indicate liver disease. But they also vary depending on age and race.
So don't be surprised that you can find a wide variety of reference values on different websites and specialist books. Here is an overview in tabular form:
Enzyme reference rangeUnitALT10 – 130U/LAST10 – 34U/LALP24 – 147U/LGGT0 – 25U/LGLDHU/L[1]
To measure liver values, the veterinarian takes some blood and then has it tested in the laboratory. The following 5 enzymes in particular are measured in dogs:
- ALT = alanine aminotransferase
- AST = Aspartate aminotransferase
- ALP = Alkaline Phosphatase
- GGT = gamma glutamyl transferase
- GLDH = glutamate dehydrogenase
However, measuring liver values alone does not replace the examination of liver function. In addition, other blood values such as bilirubin or LDH are often examined.
The liver is one of the dog's largest organs and performs numerous functions. It detoxifies and is essential in the production of certain substances.
The liver values of healthy dogs should be between 10-130 U/L for ALT, between 10-34 U/L for AST, between 24-147 U/L for ALP, between 0-24 U/L for GGT and below 9 for GLDH U/L are located. Depending on the table, different information can be found.
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Importance of liver values
Paradoxically, not all liver enzymes are liver specific. Abnormal liver values can therefore potentially indicate other illnesses.
OLD
The liver enzyme “alanine aminotransferase” was previously usually referred to as “GPT” or “SGPT”. The old version is still used today in some older laboratories.
Of all the liver enzymes, ALT is the most liver-specific. As a rule, increased values indicate damage to the liver cells.
However, this damage does not necessarily have to be permanent in nature. Because the liver has very strong abilities to regenerate itself. [2]
BRANCH
The liver value “aspartate aminotransferase” was once primarily abbreviated as “GOT” and “SGTO”. In contrast to ALT, however, it is significantly less specific.
In addition to damaged liver cells, muscle diseases can also cause this enzyme to rise sharply. So it doesn't necessarily indicate liver disease.
However, an investigation still makes sense. So if just one enzyme deviates from the liver values in the table, then there is no reason to panic.
ALP
“Alkaline phosphatase” is an umbrella term for various sub-enzymes. We are talking about liver ALP here. But there are also other forms:
- Bone ALP
- Intestinal ALP
- Placental ALP
Elevated ALP levels in the liver, on the other hand, can indicate inflammation, gallbladder diseases, hormonal disorders, diabetes or certain medications. [3]
GGT
“Gamma-glutamyl transferase” is an enzyme that, when elevated, can indicate liver and bile duct diseases.
Together with ALT, it is one of the most reliable liver values from the table for providing conclusions about existing liver diseases.
For this reason, dogs with elevated ALT levels also often have elevated GGT levels. However, the liver enzymes alone do not necessarily say anything about liver function. [4]
GLDH
The liver enzyme “glutamate dehydrogenase” is found in all organs, but is more concentrated in the liver. Significantly elevated values can therefore indicate problems.
This is because when liver cells die, the enzyme escapes from the cells into the blood. Inflammation of the liver in particular increases GLDH significantly.
Poisoning, liver cirrhosis, jaundice or liver cancer can also increase the values significantly. But it can also indicate diseases outside the liver.
If the liver values ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and GLDH show deviations from the reference values in the table, then this may indicate existing liver problems. Since not all enzymes are liver-specific, other causes are also possible.
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Significance of elevated liver values
Just because your dog has elevated liver values does not necessarily indicate liver disease. Possible causes here are:
- Poisonings
- Cancer disease
- Heat stroke
- Cushing's syndrome
- Viral infections
- heart failure
- Bacterial inflammation
- Injuries
- Hyperthyroidism
- Medication [5]
If the problems actually originate in the liver, then other symptoms usually also become noticeable. Typical examples are here:
- Loss of appetite
- Yellow gums
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in the stool
- Lack of coordination
- Increased thirst
- Ascites
- Seizures
- Yellowish eyes [6]
The treatment here depends primarily on the suspected cause. For more benign problems, supplements and dietary adjustments may be sufficient.
In more serious cases, medication or even surgery may be necessary. Here you should always follow the vet’s recommendations.
If the dog's liver values are far above the normal values in the table, this may indicate existing liver diseases. This can usually be recognized by jaundice, chronic vomiting and an unusually strong thirst.
Liver values as a graphic
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