My Vet called yesterday to report that bloodwork on my otherwise healthy, energetic (and beautiful) 12-year old old black lab/mix dog, Katie, came back indicating elevated liver enzymes, one massively so, slightly low thyroid hormone, and slightly depressed white blood count. Blood work was in response to my mentioning that Katie seems to be drinking more water and needing to go outside to urinate more frequently and does seem a lot more interested in food than in the past. Blood work indicated ALP was over 1800 (no, I do not mean 180) & ALT was 176. Vet is wondering about possible Cushings or Addison's Disease, but is perplexed that she lacks other typical symptoms: Katie may be slowing down a tad now that she's 12 years old, but no one would ever describe her as "lethargic," she has a truly beautiful, full, shiny, silky, black coat, she loves to go for long walks in the woods or just around the neighborhood together, and she's as trim as ever (i.e., no telltale "potbelly").
Katie does not take, and has not taken in as long as I can remember, any of the medications that I understand can cause elevated liver enzymes.
Vet recommends we start with a unrinalysis to "rule out" Cushings and Addison's. If we can't rule them out, I understand the next step would be a more complex and expensive test involving fasting and multiple drawings of blood over time, and referral to a veterinarian endocrinologist.
I adore my Katie and cannot stand wondering what could explain these reported blood test results in the absence of other typical Cushings symptoms? I also am beside myself wondering how I, who am totally obsessed with my 2 12 year old "pups," didn't realize she needed medical attention. How on earth could she have an ALP level of 1800 (did I hear the Vet tell me that "normal" is below 100? I can't find it anywhere online), and not exhibit obvious symptoms of some kind that would have tipped me off long ago that she needed me to take her to the Vet? She's been as chipper and healthy-looking as ever, except for the extra water-drinking and associated urinating, which prompted this week's trip to the Vet.
Anything you could offer to help me understand would be greatly appreciated.
--JC
jcjc1956@yahoo.com
Optional Information:
Age: 12; Female; Breed: Lab/Spaniel?/?? mix
Already Tried:
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