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Dog's liver enzymes are elevated. Does this mean he has liver disease?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | 17 lbs

Hi! My dog appears to be healthy other than thyroid and he is on medication. Currently on urinary so good because he is prone to struvite crystals. Latest annual check up his liver enzymes were slightly elevated . Does this mean he has liver disease ? I’m worried about this...

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 30th, 2019

Hello, sorry to hear about Tootie. Not necessarily, the liver may be affected by a disease that could be happening in another organ such as cushings or diabetes. An infection in his GI tract or urinary system can also sometimes cause elevation of the liver enzymes. If there is no disease identified an another place of the body, then liver injury may be intermittent or it may be that his live is diseased. Inflammation, infection, or even benign and malignant tumors may affect the liver. Your veterinarian will likely recommend recheck bloodwork, diagnostics imaging such as an abdominal ultrasound and liver biopsies. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 20th, 2019

    Hello, sorry to hear about Freddy. It does look like one of his liver enzymes is elevated. This could be from an infection (either in the liver itself or another organ such as his intestines since the liver filters all of the blood), it can be from inflammation (such as diabetes, cushings, or even primary liver inflammation), and less likely cancer. Additional diagnostics would include an aspirate of the liver or even a biopsy with an abdominal ultrasound which would also ensure there are no masses within the liver. Alternatively, if Freddy is acting like his normal self, recheck blood in 2-3 weeks to check if the values are getting worse can also be considered. Your veterinarian will guide you with the next best step for Freddy. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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