Milk Thistle and Elevated Liver Enzymes

Question:

I am curious as to how milk thistle works? My dog has elevated liver enzymes and his white count was also elevated. He has been on antibiotics and he is still not well. He whines and paces and I can tell he is uncomfortable. The vet we go to just cannot figure this out.     Thank you, Ellen

Response:

Hello Ellen,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. A few questions before we start: how old is your dog, has your dog been diagnosed with arthritis, what is his diet and is he on any medication?

I ask these question because there are a multitude of reasons for the pacing and pain. Arthritis, cardiac disease, canine cognitive disorder and if your dog is overweight that can cause difficulty breathing, movement and anxiety.

Research has shown that milk thistle works through a number of mechanisms: antioxidant activity, toxin blockade at the membrane level, enhanced protein synthesis, antifibrotic activity, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Hepagen-C by Thorne, contains milk thistle and should help lower your dogs liver enzyme levels. I highly suggest taking your dog to be examined by a holistic or acupuncture veterinarian. They focus on finding the root of the problem, which are often several issues. Best of luck.
Sincerely,
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA