Which liver enzyme is most specific for hepatocellular injury in dogs and cats?

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Multiple Choice

Which liver enzyme is most specific for hepatocellular injury in dogs and cats?

Explanation:
ALT, or alanine aminotransferase, is the enzyme most specific for hepatocellular injury in dogs and cats because it is highly concentrated in liver cells and is released into the bloodstream when those cells are damaged. Other enzymes can rise for non-hepatic reasons: AST is present in muscle and other tissues, so it’s less specific to the liver; ALP and GGT are more associated with biliary tract activity, cholestasis, or bone-related processes. So when the liver itself is damaged, a rise in ALT most reliably points to hepatocellular injury, making it the best indicator in these species.

ALT, or alanine aminotransferase, is the enzyme most specific for hepatocellular injury in dogs and cats because it is highly concentrated in liver cells and is released into the bloodstream when those cells are damaged. Other enzymes can rise for non-hepatic reasons: AST is present in muscle and other tissues, so it’s less specific to the liver; ALP and GGT are more associated with biliary tract activity, cholestasis, or bone-related processes. So when the liver itself is damaged, a rise in ALT most reliably points to hepatocellular injury, making it the best indicator in these species.

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