Vetinerary Assistant Practice Exam

What are the two most commonly performed liver tests in small animal practice?

1. ALT and AST

2. ALP and GGT

3. ALT and ALP

4. BIL and ALP

The correct answer is: ALT and ALP

The most commonly performed liver tests in small animal practice are ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and ALP (alkaline phosphatase). ALT is a specific enzyme found primarily in the liver and is considered a key indicator of liver cell damage or dysfunction. Elevated levels of ALT in the blood often suggest liver disease or injury. ALP is another enzyme that can indicate liver issues, particularly related to cholestasis (bile flow obstruction) but is also found in bones and other tissues. When you see elevated ALP levels, it's important to consider the context, as it might not solely point to liver problems. Both tests provide crucial information about the liver’s health in small animals and are often part of a routine blood panel to assess liver function and detect potential liver diseases. Thus, choosing ALT and ALP as the two most commonly performed tests reflects the relevance and utilization of these enzymes in evaluating liver function in veterinary practice.