ALT (alanine aminotransferase) or SGPT (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) is a liver specific enzyme. It is concentrated in the cytosol and is released when localized liver cells die from infection or due to the interruption of blood supply. Serum levels increase two to three days after the liver has been affected and return to normal after a couple of weeks of treatment. Generally, two to three times the normal level is considered insignificant and only a persistent increase is considered to be abnormal. ALT levels may go up four to five times the normal level even in non-hepatic disorders like inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, hemolytic anemia, and heart failure. Dogs undergoing treatment with anticonvulsants and glucosteroids, or those that have an inhibited flow of bile may also show a moderate increase in ALT levels.