Cause of high ALP?

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi Judy and thanks for an interesting question. Hopefully I can give you some good answers!

The first thing to know about Mickey's bloodwork is that an ALP level of 286 is really nothing to worry about. I only start to get concerned about ALP levels in dogs when they are extremely elevated (like 400 and above). A mild increase like this is extremely unlikely to be anything to worry about. It is also really common and often we don't know why.

There is a good possibility that either the dexamethasone or the rimadyl has caused the slight elevation. If this were my case I would be doing the same thing - taking him off of medications and then retesting his level in the future.

You asked whether Rimadyl and Dexamethasone can be given at the same time. The answer is no. However, it is ok to give these drugs as long as there is a suitable time lapse in between. It sounds like this has been followed appropriately. I don't see any problem with the regiment that he had.

This is extremely unlikely to be because of cushing's disease. It is true that steroids can cause cushings. However, we see this when dogs have had large amounts of steroids over a long period of time and this wasn't the case with Mickey.

The dexamethasone and rimadyl are likely out of his system already. However, if either of them caused a slight increase in ALP, it may take several weeks or months for the level to come down. I would really only be worried about it if Mickey was really unwell, or if he had an extreme thirst and urinary output.

This may be a case where too much internet research has caused a lot of worry! I would be really surprised if there is any serious issue with Mickey.

Hope all is well!

Dr. Marie.


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