serum bile acids

Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE) – When Protein Passes in the Poop

As a clinician, educator, and administrator, I deal with a lot of poop – figuratively and literally. One of the most common problems I encounter is a pet with chronic gastrointestinal signs (e.g. vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea) and a concurrently low blood protein level. This is called a protein-losing enteropathy or PLE. This week I’ve … [Read more…]

Liver Enzymes Gone Awry – It’s Not Always The Liver’s Fault

Some of the most commonly measured blood values in dogs and cats are liver enzymes. When elevations occur, one may logically assume an elevation of a specific liver enzyme means the problem lies with the liver itself. But that isn’t always the case, and in this week’s post, I share some information about liver enzymes … [Read more…]