Why did my old dog have vomiting, seizures, and high liver enzymes?

Question

My dog suffered vomiting and diarrhoea for 2 weeks, loud stomach noises but was still eating. Started drinking more but then his stomach noises became very loud. Bloods showed ALT levels 7 times higher than normal levels. And high urea levels. Then he suffered 2 seizures within 10 hours. The vet said he should be put to sleep. So I did. He was a 15 year old cairn terrier. .Please help me understand what he may have been suffering from. Pet's info: Dog | Cairn Terrier | Male | neutered | 20 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am so very sorry you lost Charlie. Unfortunately without having the complete medical history of Charlie I can only make an educated guess. Liver disease is the most common reason for higher than normal levels of ALT. In an old dog like Charlie this could be a sign of a liver tumor or chronic liver disease or a sign of Cushing's disease which often is caused by a brain tumor. The seizures could have been caused by a brain tumor or liver failure. Urea is made when protein is broken down in the body. ... If the kidneys are not able to remove urea from the blood normally, the BUN level rises. Heart failure, dehydration, or a diet high in protein can also make the BUN level higher. So it appeas that Charlie was very ill with liver, kidney and possibly heart failure. By deciding to have him euthanized, you gave him the gift of not having to suffer. It is the the last and best gift you could have given him and you should not feel guilty. He is a happy chappy now and you did the right thing. Again I am sorry you lost Charlie, but I hope I could ease your mind a bit.

Why did my old dog have vomiting, seizures, and high liver enzymes?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

Share