Denamarin and super milk thistle pills?

[Rose0426]

My 11 year old dog had high liver counts (alp 290 & alt 671). She was also on Carprofen and Tramadol for arthritis and Denamarin (1 pill daily). Dr took her off Tramadol as her counts went up to alp 588 & alt 1000. She weighs 80lbs. Could I give her both the Denamarin and super milk thistle pills (maybe 1) since by weight she should be on 2 pills. Dr's don't seem to like going natural as it cuts into their profits. I've already asked for a prescription for the Carprofen as I can get it at Costco for under $10 for 120 count compared to $15 for 90. I'm also getting the Denamarin from eBay for $50 compared to their $80.

[Misfits4Me]

Yes, you can give both together...You actually can buy one pill that includes both the Denamarin AND the milk thistle combined....I buy mine from Entirely Pets....

Rimadyl is toxic to many dogs & I would suspect (As ginger did) that this may be leading to the problems....Also, a low quality dogfood is to blame for many Liver issues....

You need to get your dog on an excellent joint supplement which is know to help tremendously.....

[ginger899]

Carprofen could possibly be causing the liver enzyme elevation. Carfrofen is also marketed as "Rimadyl" and there have been a number of side effects noted. For long term use I would definitely question Rimadyl!
I wonder if there is another NSAID (anti inflammatory) which your vet could try? Such as Deramaxx?

I agree with Tony that the primary cause has to be treated. Is she on these medications for arthritis? And is there any other possible solution? Long term use of such medicines can cause liver problems.

[tonyb286]

Hi. I think you and the vet are putting the cart before the horse, as it were ... the question that needs answering is WHY are the liver counts high? Get an answer to this and you may not ultimately need any medication at all. If there's a primary illness causing the liver counts, then this is what needs treating as a priority.

Secondly, it is extremely dangerous getting medications from the internet, unless you are absolutely certain of the source. First questions: Are the medications covered by the FDA? Are they US manufactured? Are you absolutely certain they are compound materials intended for dogs and not humans or other animals? If drugs are not canine designed, they are likely to include things that are bad and potentially dangerous to dogs.

Also, milk thistle is generally a good herbal remedy, but again, it should be manufactured for dogs, not for human consumption. There are issues with milk thistle, so make sure you consult your vet and get their approval first. Milk thistle will not necessarily treat the issue causing the high liver counts, but it may help protect the liver from further damage.

The liver counts may have gone up purely due to the medications, depending on whether they elevations began after or before the medications started - but it's best to have this investigated, to be certain there isn't an underlying cause.

Tony