Diarrhea update

[taxcatkim]

Tomorrow, our vet is faxing me the results of the blood work and fecal. For now, she told me the only thing abnormal on the blood work was his ALT was 177 (norm 10-100). She said all other values were within normal range. I've done a bit of internet research about elevated ALT and I don't get much back other than it's a liver enzyme and it should be used in conjunction with AST, ALPH, and BIL to measure liver function (unless I read wrong). So, what's with an elevated ALT? Any thoughts as to what types of things can elevate it besides liver problems?

[davet]

alt is test of liver funtion or malfunction however it alone doesn't tell you much, you need a few other abnormal enzymes to indicate somethin bad.. i would have a tendency to ignore it for the time being and maybe take another test with or without the with holding of food....see if your vets reccomends another test....as it stands the elevation alone is not significant....

[taxcatkim]

Thanks very much for your reply. My vet didn't not think it was necessary to retest because she didn't think it was of much significance, either. I'm still a worrywart and thought I'd ask the board. Thanks for your reassurance.

[Traci]

The ALT can also rise during times of stress, some cats have a natural occuring elevated ALT unrelated to stress and usually is of no concern.

[taxcatkim]

Thanks for the info. Funny you say stress....his temp spiked, too (I thought because of stress). He panted all the way to the vet and meowed when he wasn't panting. Once we got there, his heart was beating so fast. Poor baby! I wish my vet made house calls!