My older lab has high alp values also. Vets seem to disagree on whether stress, such as a trip to the vet can elevate alp values while other parameters are normal. The suspicion of Cushings is based on this lab data; however my understanding is that Cushings is associated with the over release of cortisol, an adrenal secretion. Im certainly neither a vet nor clinical researcher, but it seems reasonable to suspect that a " fight or flight " response to stress/anxiety would cause a release of adrenal hormones and possibly skew the results on that particular lab test. I did find one published study on dogs stressed by air transport which tends to support this theory. It's certainly worthy of more investigation.
Welcome...NO, stress CANNOT raise Liver enzymes! What you need to be looking for is any chemicals that your dog is consuming or being put on him...Yes, the Advantage is absorbed through the skin and filtered by the Liver & Kidneys......But, I don't think the Advantage is enough to be causing this...It doesn't help either!
It's possible to be chemicals, dyes & preservatives in his food...Make sure you know what your feeding him & it's ingredients....Tap water is loaded with tons of chemicals...Serve him only bottled or filtered water....
Make sure you feed at least one wet meal a day to flush toxins easier out of his system......
At the very least, your Vet should have offered you a Liver supplement to be used for one month & then a recheck of bloodwork....All Vets sell one...My Vet sells Denosyl, but there are many others...It's a pill you give once a day to help the Liver replenish cells.....I'm surprised you weren't offered one!
Other than that, be very aware of chemicals that may be coming in contact with him...That also included fertilizers & floor cleaners......Let us know how he's doing....Karla
Thanks for your response. Our walker is going to come at least 2 days and my son finishes school early on two other. Now that it's getting warmer I can take him to a trail neaby that is long, in the woods and he can be off leash. He loves it there. He actually believes he might catch a squirrel. I'm going to check his blood again myself in a month or so and have it tested at the animal lab where I work. Thanks again and have a great weekend.
I'm sure being alone for long periods is stressful, sounds like you are working to provide some relief.
I do not know what ALP stands for/is, that's why I didn't read you post earlier, may be that is the reason for the lack of a reply before mine.
I don't know the Irish Terrier breed, but Terrier tells me enough, he needs a lot of exercise. I suggest you look/ask around to see if there is anyone in the neighborhood who also has a (comparable) dog who might have different hours than yours or be retired or a home maker who would enjoy trading some joint play times for the dogs...maybe even interested in just getting your dog out often to play with their dog. We have over the years had several neighbor dogs as visiting pets.