Health Report Final - Flipbook - Page 50
Low ALT syndrome
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a clinical tool that can be used by veterinarians to be er
monitor liver health. This result is not associated with liver disease. ALT is one of several
values veterinarian’s measure on rou ne blood work to evaluate the liver. It is a naturally
occurring enzyme located in liver cells that helps break down protein. When the liver is
damaged or inflamed, ALT is released into the bloodstream. Dogs with this condi on will
have naturally low levels of ALT in their bloods so mild liver problems may be missed on
blood work.
This condi on is co-dominant meaning that if a dog has one or both genes it will be
posi ve for the condi on.
Clear
Carrier
Gene cally affected
Embark
0.1%
7.5%
92.4%
WCSS project
5.2%
12.3%
82.5%
What does this mean?
This means that the majority of Clumber spaniels, 94.74% of those tested by the WCSS
Embark project, will likely show lower than normal levels of the liver enzyme ALT on their
blood test. This is important to know when having blood taken by the vet, as it can help
them make decisions on how the dog's liver is func oning.
Given these results, it is reasonable to assume that most Clumbers (show and working
types) will be affected clinically by these genes, considering the prevalence in the
popula on tested by Embark, which includes over 500+ Clumber spaniels of all types.
Recommenda ons
44
1)
Owners to ideally test their dog for low ALT syndrome as part of an Embark
test to confirm their status and have a blood sample run to check “their
normal” levels of ALT while healthy and fit.
2)
Where proof of status cannot be obtained it would be prudent for owners
of Clumber spaniels to assume their dog has this gene present and inform
their vet of this syndrome so that their vets can read their bloodwork
appropriately.
