Final answer:
The liver-specific enzyme in dogs and cats is Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which is largely found in the liver and increases in concentration when there is liver damage, making it a specific marker for liver health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Liver-Specific Enzyme in Dogs and Cats:
The enzyme considered liver-specific in dogs and cats is Alanine aminotransferase (ALT). ALT is primarily found in the liver, and its levels increase with acute liver damage. While it is also present in red cells and muscular tissue, its concentration is much higher in liver tissue, making it a more specific indicator of liver health. Other enzymes, such as Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), are less specific as they are also found in other tissues like bone and placental tissue in the case of ALP or in cardiac and skeletal muscles for AST.
For example, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from alanine to alpha-ketoglutarate, forming pyruvate and glutamate, which is essential for liver function. Elevated levels of ALT in the bloodstream may suggest liver damage as hepatocytes (liver cells) release the enzyme into the circulation upon injury.