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My pitbull is on Phenobarbitol and Fish Oil, liver enzymes are high?
My pitbull Chico is 4 years old and has been diagnosed with epilepsy for about 1 year. He started on Diazapem as needed but had 2 other grand mal seizures since and was put on the Phenobarbitol. He just had his liver enzymes checked and his AST is 140U/L and should be between 0-50. His ALKP levels are 309U/L and should be between 23-212.
The vet suggested fish oil to reduce the numbers and told us to come back in 3 months. However, since he's been on the fish oil (3-4 days) he's had runny stool, REAL bad gas, and is acting whiny and anxious. And the worst part is, he nipped at my friends son and had to be taken to the ER with a minor cut but this is the FIRST time EVER and I'm wondering if this is an effect of the fish oil or is he not feeling well due to his liver function? Please help!
I guess I should have mentioned that he had a raw hide when he nipped the kid. And I've had him since he was 8 weeks old and he has been VERY loved. Eats California Natural Food
4 Answers
- ainawgsdLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
If his liver function is that compromised he probably isn't feeling well. Fish oil isn't going to cause behavioral changes, but pain from the liver issues could. The gas and diarrhea could be from the fish oil. Any sudden change in diet, including the addition of supplements like fish oil, can cause gastric upset.
I'm a little surprised that your vet would recommend fish oil for liver function. It can help, but there are other more effective supplements for liver function. Ask your vet about sylimarin (milk thistle) which is readily available under the brand name denosyl or denarmarin. When my cat's liver tanked after an anesthetic procedure my vet put him on denosyl for one month and it brought his liver values back from three times the normal range to back within normal limits. After that we were able to discontinue the denosyl, although some pets do need to be on it long term.
- JenLv 61 decade ago
Probably a combination of both.
The way to tell is stop the fish oil. If he pops back to normal, there's your answer. You might need to find another alternative to straight fish oil.
Are you giving pill form or liquid? Can you cut back the amount and work the dog up to the full dosage slowly?
And do call the vet and let them know what's happening.
- 1 decade ago
Well, i had a pitbull did you just get him? If so was it from a bad owner that didnt feed him? If so that was the case with my pitbull, we put him on gas-x and it seemed to help alot, about the attacking, pitbull's blood is in attacking to protect the owner. About the stool and gas, the change in food from nothing to a normal diet is a big change for a dog and the stomach reacts differently.
Hope it helps
Source(s): My pitbulls experiences - 1 decade ago
fish oil tablets are not the cause of the aggressive behavior, however they could be a reason behind runny stool, although with that much of a sudden mood change I would bring him in to the vet expressing your concern. There may be a something else that your dog is reacting too.