Teddy - Extremely High ALP

[TracyL]

Hi,

My 11 year old Siberian Husky has a 1260 ALP(20-150 U/L) and a slightly high ALB 4.7(2.5-4.4). He has been drinking a little more and going potty a little more. He had an X Ray over us thinking that he ate something. That X Ray showed that his liver is slightly enlarged. He can run a number of miles and is not acting lethargic, unhappy, etc. He is just his usual pleasant self waiting for running, trail running, and going places. Not sure how to define the cause of the marker. HELP!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Great question Tracy about this common conundrum!?

Most frequently, such an elevated ALP is due to a steroid hepatopathy associated with Cushing's dis-ease.

A urine cortisol: creatinine ratio will help better define this test result.

However other blood tests, or other much more expensive diagnostics, would be required for a definitive diagnosis.

The good news is that they probably are not indicated

since your pup's BEAM is great and nothing other than the elevated albumin (this value is OK) was abnormal on the tests,

Page 2 of this detailed vet article discusses vacuolar (and steroid) hepatopathy which might be useful for you:

http://veterinarycalendar.dvm360.com/recognizing-and-treating-common-liver-diseases-proceedings?id=&sk=&date=&pageID=2

There's also more about this in the endocrinology webinar course.

 

[Dr. Christina]

You can start now working with a homeopathic veterinarian (or TCVM - chinese medicine) to restore balance so the values may return to normal - even with no further tests.

Repeating the blood work in a few months, even if there are no new symptoms would be good, of course.

In addition to the increased thirst and urine output - be thinking of any small changes. does he now prefer colder or warmer water or temperature? When does he seem to drink more? Is it a little more all day, or right after coming in, or after eating?

The thirst is what we call a common symptom. Answering questions about the thirst can show how his thirst is different than other dogs, which can help your veterinary homeopath or acupuncturist individualize the treatment.

The increased urine is probably secondary to the thirst, so not as characteristic.

Are there any other changes - hair loss, bald spots, droopy belly (these may indicate an endocrine imbalance)?

As a member, you can work with Dr. Jeff or there are other veterinary homeopaths who can help you by phone.

Do review the basic keys to health - sounds like you are doing most of them - feeding a fresh food diet and avoiding toxins (liver is sensitive to toxins in food and environment), not vaccinating (except for rabies), exercising mind and body (you are clearly doing that).

Dr. Christina

 

[TracyL]

I forgot to mention something that could be critical to this case; Teddy has a few lipomas. I always wondered if perhaps they seep into his body somehow and change his liver marker. It has been slightly high for a few years. For starters, I would like to get him off of dog food. Currently, my dogs eat some celery, chicken, watermelon, wild blueberries, but this is all mixed with FAT DOG Natural Balance Brand and some Science Diet. I move slowly to real food only, especially given the circumstances.

 

[TracyL]

I will check with the Vet who pulled his bloodwork and urine for the cortisol: creatinine ratio. They said that his urine was watered down, so I don't know if that would have reflected accurate results. I have an appt with a specialist next week and I would like recommendations on 1. immediate changes and 2. a plan. I will send over the information for a consult. I am in the metro Phoenix area. To answer your other questions; his coat looks healthy. He is furry and is about 7 lbs overweight (62 lbs) and his belly looks a little droopy. It seems very difficult to get his weight down and I do not know why. Thank you for all of your helpful knowledge and yes, I would try Chinese Medicine and Functional Medicine.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi Tracy.

Fantastic that you are helping Teddy's healing ability with a fresh food diet. ?

A meat-based diet and no further kibble will definitely help him lose weight and improve overall.?

In addition, you can supplement the beneficial effects of his daily running with nose work games that you can both learn and play at home.?

I'd concentrate on these things which will help his internal balance without multiple tests and supplements.⚖

For further individualized treatment, homeopathy is definitely the way to go!

 

[TracyL]

I need food recipes and no - gos. I know that grapes and chocolate are bad. There are foods that cause trouble, foods that are good for you, and foods that heal....something like that from Anthony William. What are the bad foods and what are the healing foods? Are there food guidelines on this site anywhere? I see some frozen raw kibble at Whole Foods. Any recommendations for when I cannot cook?

 

[TracyL]

How do I proceed with Chinese medicine options?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

There absolutely are specific diet resources here Tracy! ?

Start with the diet tips in the Holistic Essentials intro course.

When it comes to feeding pets, Anthony's vegan recommendations for people do not apply.

Even Anthony agrees that meat, eggs, etc. are best for pet.

As fresh and "clean" as you have available and can afford.

Minimize or avoid altogether the carbohydrates in dry foods.

Many raw-feeding pet parents, such as those who follow the prey model diet, don't feed any veggies or carbs at all.

However, here in HA! we are advocates of moderate amounts and variety of fresh fruits and veggies following similar guidelines of those of AW (tho no grapes, chocolate or xylitol).

You can thaw and mash the frozen veggies without cooking.

@Dr. Christina may have specific TCVM practitioner recommendations in the Phoenix area.

 

[TracyL]

Hello again.... I took Teddy to an internal medicine vet for ultrasound, etc. He has a tumor on the left side of the liver ~ 2 inches. She also said that 50/50 cancer and that whether or not it was cancerous that Teddy would do well with surgical removal based on his overall health along with the size and location of the tumor. If cancerous, removal can mean complete cure.

 

[TracyL]

He had what appeared to be a few small cysts on his spleen and she said most likely not related to the liver. He has been eating more people food and he did lose a few lbs and he looks good. However, he is one of the most handsome pups west of the Mississippi.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

I'm sorry to hear about the liver growth.

However, as your internist said, many of these are not cancerous.

Liver growths can be similar to the splenic cysts (which are probably regenerative nodules).

Typically, an invasive liver tumor would also have elevated ALT, and not just ALP.

Most important though is Teddy's excellent BEAM?, quality of life (and handsome-ness)!?

We'd love to see some pictures of him!

 

[TracyL]

Teddy has a question. The first obvious question he has is "why did I turn sideways when my mom uploaded the photo?

 

[TracyL]

The second question is if he should have surgical removal immediately.

 

[TracyL]

I should just schedule a consult. I am traveling for work SUN, MON, TUES for work and I am setting his appt a little bit later. My daughter Rachel wants me to see if this can reverse with a functional approach. I do not know what elevated lipase is.

 

[TracyL]

I should just schedule a consult. I am traveling for work SUN, MON, TUES for work and I am setting his appt a little bit later. My daughter Rachel wants me to see if this can reverse with a functional approach. I do not know what elevated lipase is.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

My replies and a question:

1. I would suspect that the sideways picture is because it was a big file.

2. Was there a fine needle aspirate/biopsy of ant of the masses when he had the ultrasound?

If his BEAM is still great, then probably not (regarding immediate removal).

Now for some of my other questions and a few notes.

Was his HCT (which the vet reports as normal) compared to the prior ones to see if it was decreasing?

Was anything else like albumin trended?

Internal symptoms are clues to do what to do in addition to BEAM.

Pet parents can use them to treat many acute diseases like an stomach upset.

However, chronic ones, especially if associated with cancer, need to be treated by a medically and homeopathically trained professional.

If you would like to schedule Teddy for a 1:1 evaluation, feel free to fill out and send this form:

New Client Questionaire

www.homevet.com

He would need a 2 hour evaluation block of time. The scheduling link is on the bottom left of every page of www.homevet.com

I'd suggest making that appointment sooner than later so you get the first available appointment in the next week or two.

You can then gather and email, ideally in 1 or 2 files, all of the records back to when Teddy was a puppy.

Email or fax (866-269-8635) is perfect.

I also believe both @Dr. Sara and @dr_ judy herman are taking on new patients and can also treat using symptoms and working with his body using homeopathy.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Hi Tracy!

Based on the internist notes you sent, also consider adding in OncoSupport (Rx Vitamins), Fucopia, SmartZYME, VRS Tru-Hepato and CAS Options mushrooms.

 

[TracyL]

Can I order these from your site?

 

[Dr. Jeff]

Thanks for asking Tracy!

Some of these, yes, but for now you might even be able to pick up OncoSupport from your local vet tomorrow.