Thanks. Yes, if an NSAID is still recommended, once her liver has rested, it seems like we should be able to be more creative with the dosing. Again, our vet might not be the creative type - she still doesn't think the NSAID is the cause for elevated ALT enzyme - but I'll continue to "arm" myself with info! And I'll check the Traumeel and Tramadol links you provided. (You're right, a zonked wild child might be a good thing at times.)

Appreciate it!

Hi. She was on Deramaxx. We haven't tried a pain med like Tramadol yet. She gets a daily dose of hypoallergenic Joint Max with glucosamine/chondroitin/MSM. I'll have to check into HA and Ester C. I'll also check into Metacam. Thanks.

Hi. Me again. Apologies. I know this issue has been discussed but my search through old postings wasn't very successful…

Alternative to NSAIDs? We have a 7.5 year old girl who needs to be taking something (broken leg in 2008, limp, inevitable arthritis), but her liver is paying the price. We have a good vet, but she doesn't think outside the box, if you know what I mean. I hear there's a holistic vet in town that may be worth a visit. But I'd like to know what you basenji experts think first!

10 days off the NSAID and, although there's still the daily backyard basenji 500 when the squirrels dare approach, she's starting to favor the leg more...

I see. Hope you find an answer. I think I'd better start a new thread about alternatives to NSAIDS! Chime in if you and Spencer have any advice.

Thanks. Hope Spencer does better, too. Has he been taking an NSAID?

Interesting. Thanks. I am feeling better about stopping the NSAID and seeing what her ALT level is after a month.

Oh, yes, milk thistle is the main ingredient in her Hepato Support capsules. Good to know that you think it's helpful. Thanks.

A detail I didn't mention in my original post was that our basenji has been taking an NSAID for a while. That's why we test her blood regularly. Our vet discounted the NSAID as the cause because ALT isn't the usual enzyme associated with NSAID usage; however, after the last hour spent reading and rereading various articles about this drug and its side effects, I am going to stop the NSAID and go with the liver cleanse diet and Hepa-Support meds for another month. Then we'll retest her blood. Does that sound sane?

Nope. Don't know if there's one in the area. It's sort of been in the back of my mind, though, for other reasons. Our girl was hit by a car a few years ago and has a limp. As she ages, I know she'll need help with the arthritis and pain…

Ah, yes, full blood panel has been done. No other problem except this. There were two elevated enzymes a month ago. One went back to normal after the month of meds; the ALT remained at "high normal." The vet mentioned an ultrasound might be the next step if nothing changes after another month of meds…I'll look into the cleansing diet for sure.

Maybe I'll track down her breeder, too. Noel, our B, is seven years old. She came from Medfly Rescue, but I think the breeder is mentioned in the paperwork they gave us.

Thanks so much.