Causes of Elevated Alkaline Phosphatase in Dogs

Alkaline phosphatase, also known as serum alkaline phosphatase, is classified as an enzyme, according to Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education. This protein molecule aids in various chemical reactions throughout a dog's body, and any underlying cause of elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase in the bloodstream is as broad as the enzyme's function itself. A typical blood panel taken during a canine's annual veterinary exam should include a measurement of the alkaline phosphatase levels in the bloodstream.

  1. Cushing's Disease

    • Cushing's disease comes in two forms, pituitary-dependent or adrenal-dependent, and occurs when the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. The pituitary-dependent form of the disease is more common than the adrenal-dependent form, and is generally the result of tumors on the pituitary gland. Dogs with Cushing's disease return blood test results with elevated alkaline phosphatase, white blood cell, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Additional symptoms of Cushing's disease include an increased appetite and pot-bellied appearance, frequent drinking and urination and fur loss.

    Liver Disorders

    • Diagnosing liver disorders in dogs is difficult, because the symptoms mimic those of many other conditions. Jaundice, a yellowing of the dog's skin, eye whites and gums, is one of the few symptoms exclusive to liver problems. There are many causes behind liver disorders in dogs, including bacterial infections, cancer, parasites, toxins and trauma to the animal. Blood-test results for dogs suffering from a liver disorder show increased alkaline phosphatase enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase---if the disease is caused by blocked bile ducts---and bilirubin, in the case of jaundice. Albumin levels, a protein produced by the liver, will be reduced.

    Prostatic Tumors

    • A rare disease, prostatic tumors in dogs are always considered malignant, according to Dr. Douglas Brum on PetPlace.com. Brum reports that there is not a documented incidence of a benign prostate tumor recorded, and "the most common tumor of the prostate is prostatic adenocarcinoma." Prostate cancer in dogs is not breed specific, but it does tend to occur in canines about the ages of 9 or 10 years old. Blood-test results for dogs with prostate cancer generally demonstrate minimal differences in regular white and red blood cell counts. However, in approximately 50 percent of canines, prostate cancer will metastasize into the liver, so their alkaline phosphatase levels will be elevated.