Overview

• Number of isoenzymes produced in a range of tissues. Rabbits have two liver and kidney ALP isoenzymes. There is an additional isoenzyme from gut.
• Increased plasma levels are derived from liver and bone and intestine. Also found in pregnant does originating from placenta (plasma ALKP levels fall in pregnancy).
• Good indicator of cholestasis - increases before plasma bilirubin.
• Non-specific for liver disease as may rise in extra-hepatic cholestasis, bone disease/fractures, intestinal disease.

Sampling

Tests

Methodologies

• Method and normal range may vary between laboratories.
• Electrophoretic or other separation method necessary to measure activity of individual isoenzymes.

Availability

• Routine test.

Technique (intrinsic) limitations

• Test results most significant when interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory results and clinical findings.

Result Data

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource. 
• Meredith A & Rayment L (2000) Liver disease in rabbits. Sem Avian Exotic Pet Med 9 (3), 146-152.
• Benson K G & Paul-Murphy J (1999) Clinical pathology of the domestic rabbit: acquisition and interpretation of samples. Vet Clin North Am Exotic Anim Pract 2 (3), 539-552 PubMed.

Other sources of information

• Bourne D (2016) Clinical Pathology of Lagomorphs. In: Wildpro. Website: http://wildpro.twycrosszoo.org
• Wesche P (2014)Clinical Pathology.In: BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Medicine.Eds: Meredith A & Lord B. BSAVA, Gloucester, UK. pp 124-137.
• Varga M (2014) Laboratory Medicine. Avian and Exotic Pets. W B Saunders Co. ISBN: 0721676790.
• Fudge A M (1999) Laboratory Medicine. Avian and Exotic Pets. W B Saunders Co. ISBN: 0721676790.