Help! My Dog Has High ALK Phosphatase Levels! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Hello, my dog Izzy has perfect blood work except her ALK Phosphatase is 421. She is an 11-year-old mini schnauzer weighing 16 lbs. She is healthy and happy with no problems with arthritis at this time. Is it true that a mini schnauzer can have a higher ALK Phosphatase than other dogs?? please help with this question.” – Sandy
Quick Info about Izzy
Sandi, it is true that Miniature Schnauzers can have elevated ALKP. It is also true that this marker has low specificity, which means this enzyme is produced by many cell types and can be found in the liver, bone, kidney, and intestine. Therefore, other biochemical tests are needed to interpret its significance.
ALKP is usually included in the liver panels because it is found in liver cell membranes and in the hepatic cells surrounding the small channels through which bile is released. One likely scenario is that ALKP is released into the blood when the biliary flow is slowed (the medical term for this is cholestasis). Fatty infiltrations of the liver can potentially lead to cholestasis. Therefore it is important to consider the results of other tests including TSBA, GGT, ALT, and AST, and very importantly to monitor serum triglyceride concentrations.
According to a study published by the American Veterinary Medical Association, anecdotal observations suggest that some Miniature Schnauzers with hypertriglyceridemia might develop hepatic insufficiency secondary to the pathogenic distension of the hepatic cells. Veterinarians work with different scrum chemistry panels when they make blood tests, so when you say all her blood work was perfect, I have no way of understanding what was tested. Have a chat with your vet to find out if additional diagnostic testing would seem appropriate, or if you would like some more detailed support, we recommend booking an online consultation with one of our experienced veterinarians at PangoVet. They will ask you some more questions, help provide information, and help you craft an action plan.
Best wishes!
Dr. Paola