Equine liver disease in the field. Part 1: approach

Abstract

Liver disease in adult horses is commonly identified during investigation of non-specific clinical signs such as general malaise, lethargy or weight loss. In some cases, disease may be advanced and irreversible by the time a diagnosis is reached. Serum biochemistry and tests of liver function form an important part of diagnosing liver disease but provide limited information regarding aetiology, severity and prognosis. Liver biopsy is recommended in the majority of cases to confirm the presence of disease, to guide therapeutics and to provide information regarding prognosis.

Anatomical and radiographic distribution of hepatic artery and biliary duct system applied to biochemical parameters indicative to hepatobiliary disease in Egyptian donkey (Equus asinus)

“…Our investigation in the current study was in agreement with (Hoffmann and Solter, 2008; Kaneko et al, 2008; Divers & Barton, 2018; Tallon & McGovern, 2020) that the aspartate aminotransferase activity was nonspecific for hepatic dysfunction and should be accompanied by other parameters to indicate liver damage as GGT, SDH, bilirubin and serum bile acids.…”

“…Our investigation in the current study was in agreement with (Hoffmann and Solter, 2008;Kaneko et al, 2008;Divers & Barton, 2018;Tallon & McGovern, 2020)…”

“…The liver has major roles in the body as the metabolism of (carbohydrates– proteins– lipids), synthesis of (plasma proteins– acute phase proteins– coagulation factors– hormones– enzymes), storage of (glucose– vitamins), detoxification of (toxins– drugs) by cytochrome P450 enzymes, phagocytosis by kupffer cells and elimination of (ammonia– bilirubin). Although the most popular symptoms of liver ailment developed include dullness, gastrointestinal dysfunction, haemorrhage, loss of weight, jaundice, photosensitization and diarrhoea (Tallon & McGovern, 2020).…”