Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog's ALT is high. Should I keep giving milk thistle for Cushing's?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

14 year old Jack Russell called Tigger been on vetoryl for cushings disease for about 8 years now & doing well. He had a blood test & his kidneys are back to normal range. I put him on milk thistle for 10 weeks he had a blood test.ALP was 1006 down to 849. ALT was 155 now 326. GLU 7.0 and should be between 3.3-6.1. My vet is happy with results & she said don`t worry about the ALT which gone up.Do I keep on giving milk thistle?or give him a break from the milk thistle.How come the ALT gone up?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on January 27th, 2017

I'm with you, and I don't understand why the ALT would have gone up because of the Cushing's disease. Certainly we expect ALP elevations, but typically not ALT, so it makes me a bit worried that something else is going on. That's fantastic that he's been doing well with Cushing's for 8 years! The milk thistle shouldn't hurt, but I would think about maybe doing an abdominal ultrasound to see if some additional problem is present in the liver now, such as a tumor or infection.

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 1st, 2017

    You could always take him to a veterinary specialist for an abdominal ultrasound to evaluate his liver and determine if additional treatment is needed. He may need an antibiotic and/or an anti-inflammatory to help treat the problem. I am not sure that I would wait an entire year before rechecking his bloodwork and would recommend checking in 3 months to see how the ALP and ALT have changed.

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet has red spots all over. What's causing them and what to do?
See red spots on your pet? A certified Petco vet discusses common causes like allergies, infections, or mites, guiding you on diagnosis and treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored