Alanine transferase (ALT) is a specific indicator of hepatocellular injury in dogs and cats. Increases occur due to cell damage and induction.
ALT is virtually liver specific in dogs and cats. Causes include:
- Artefact – haemolysis
- Drugs – anticonvulsants, steroids, any drugs causing hepatotoxicity
- Disease – liver: both primary and secondary hepatic disease can increase ALT if altered cell membrane permeability or necrosis occur. Bile duct obstruction will increase ALT.
- Trauma
- Severe muscle injury
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