High liver enyme levels in Birman

Hi,
Since last year, we have been monitoring our 9 year old neutered blue point Birman's blood chemistry levels. On 2/7/03, his (Rumples) SGPT/ALT was 692 and his SGOT/AST was 240. On 4/2/03, after a course of Prednisone and Denyisl (sp?), they were 619 and 248 respectively. These levels have steadily increased over a 9 month period.
He has had an ultrsound which revealed some thickening of the gall bladder bile duct. My vet suspects cholangiohepatitis, but is not definite, and suggests a liver biopsy and another ultrasound for a definitive answer.
His appetite ranges from can't eat enough and wanting food every two to four hours, to wanting to eat but only picks. He does not appear to be in any pain and I can't say if he is sleeping more or not. But I think so. If engaged in play, he will participate.
Is there anyone familiar with Birmans that has dealt with this and can offer an explanation or even, if this might be "normal levels" for a Birman.
Thank you for any advice you can give me. I am very grateful,
Kathleen

Sometimes things like this "just happen". There's nothing that has been shown to put a Birman at a high risk for any liver problems. All the research on cholangiohepatitis says that in most cases there's no real explanation for it.
It sounds like your vet is a good one, I would follow your gut and do what they think is best for him.

Thank you Sandie for your quick reply. I am truly fortunate to have a great vet, Dr. Susan Sikule.

I guess I am confused about this condition, since I have heard that it is not unusual for a Birman to have high liver values from some Birman breeders. However, I cannot find anything in the literature to support that, and certainly Rumples levels are "off the scale" of what is normal.

Thank you again for your reply.

Sincerely,

Kathleen,
Could we have an update on the situation? I have a Birman and any thing relating to them interests me. Look forward to hearing from you.

Hi,

Nothing new since I last posted. I contacted a vet in Massachusetts that the breeder suggested. His practice sees many Birmans. I haven't heard from them yet. I'm pretty sure I won't put Rumples through a liver biopsy. I have been told that the procedure is painful and it wouldn't change the outcome anyway. Rumples doesn't show any signs of illness (no vomiting, etc.) and appears very content. He is still the Ambassador of the household and a loving companion. I'll post again when I hear from the vet in Massachusetts.
How old is your Birman? Who is his breeder? Blue, seal, chocolate, or lilac point? I would love to hear about your kitty!

Sincerely,