What could be a cause of increased liver enzymes?

Increased liver enzymes in a veterinary context can indicate liver damage or stress, and one of the well-documented causes is NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) toxicity. NSAIDs are commonly used for pain relief and inflammation, but they can be toxic to the liver, particularly in certain animals or when used inappropriately. When the liver is compromised due to toxicity, it may release higher levels of enzymes such as ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) into the bloodstream, reflecting liver injury.

The other options do not typically lead to a direct increase in liver enzymes. For instance, excessive water intake might cause other issues, but does not inherently cause liver damage. High calcium intake may lead to other metabolic issues but is not associated with elevated liver enzymes. Excessive exercise can impact the body in many ways, but it generally does not specifically cause an elevation in liver enzymes unless there is a significant underlying health issue. Therefore, NSAID toxicity stands out as a specific cause for increased liver enzyme levels, making it the most relevant answer to this question.