Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 9/12/2008

Question
My 5 year old female maltese suddenly went from normal to abnormal. After a 1st round of antibiotics, the liver blood test was taken again and her values went from 330 to 209. After 4 months, a followup blood test was taken and her values were now 229 - on their way up again. The doctor put her on clavamox for 3 weeks bid and then suggests another bile acid test. The ultrasound of the liver showed no cysts or abnormal growths, nor shunts. My dog is having dark stools and is not hungry for her regular food but will chow down on chicken and since that's protein and goes through the liver I've changed her diet to Wholeness wet dog food. She's sleeping more during the day even though I'm trying to keep her active, which she is when engaged. I'm wondering why Clavamox for 3 weeks? Her first round of antibiotics was metronidazole which brought the levels from 330 to 209. Any ideas on the liver problem? About expectations for using Clavamox for this? She's always been fine before. Thanks.

Answer
Kay -

Is she on Clavamox to treat the liver problem?  If so, she must be fed before you give her the medication. Clavamox can cause severe stomach upset if there is no food in the stomach when it is given. The upset stomach could very well be the reason her liver enzymes are elevated.  

There are other medications that are great for the liver.  Ask your vet to change the meds if you are not happy with the results.  There are also supplements that are great for the liver - ask you vet if he is familiar with milk thistle - it is an effective liver supplement that can keep the liver healthy.


Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM