The purpose of this study is to identify distinguishing clinical and laboratory parameters in adult Scottish Terriers with unexplained elevations of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALKP). Ten affected adult dogs (>12 months of age) will be evaluated along with ten dogs of the same breed and age range that have serum ALKP activity within an established reference interval. All dogs will undergo routine complete blood count, serum biochemistries and other tests. Activity of ALKP isoenzymes will be measured in all dogs using the wheat germ lectin/levamisole inhibition assay. In addition, an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy for cytologic and histologic examination will be collected on the ten affected dogs. The investigators anticipate finding a specific pattern of laboratory results, in particular isoenzyme elevation, that will allow differentiation of dogs with benign hyperphosphatasemia from those with other causes of elevated ALKP.





