Concepts of liver disease

Question 1

Specialized macrophages in liver?

Cells important for growth and repair

Answer 1

kupffer cells

stellate cells

Question 2

The liver has a large fxn reserve capacity. What percent of liver need to be non-fxn before seen sig changes?

Answer 2

75%

Question 3

Breed predispositions for liver dz?

Answer 3

dobies, spaniels, labs, bedlington terriers

(yorky/schnauzer liver shunts)

Question 4

Causes for low protein ascites and high protein ascites?

Answer 4

Question 5

What sign is common in the dog but uncommon in the cat for liver dz?

Two signs in cats?

Answer 5

ascites

check T4 & copper colored eyes

Question 6

Which liver enzymes indicate cell damage vs. cholestasis/drugs?

Answer 6

Question 7

If it is a liver condition, which should be higher AST or ALT?

Answer 7

ALT

Question 8

Which enzyme is steroid inducible in the dog?

Answer 8

ALP

(not in cats- half-life short)

Question 9

Any ALP elevation in cat or dog is sig? Why?

Answer 9

cat- short half-life 6hrs so if elevated= sig

Question 10

Which drugs induce GGT and ALP

Answer 10

steroids and barbituites

Question 11

What are the true liver fxn test?

Answer 11

serum BA and ammonia

Question 12

Pseudofxn liver tests

Answer 12

Question 13

Causes for high BR pre-, hepatic, post

Answer 13

Question 14

Why is BRnuria always sig in cat?

Answer 14

threshold for BR in cat is higher than dog

Question 15

Does albumin decrease with liver or anorexia/fasting?

Answer 15

yes- liver dz

no- anorexia

Question 16

Reasons for low BUN?

Answer 16

Question 17

How does cholesterol levels change with liver dysfxn vs. cholestasis?

Answer 17

dysfxn: decrease
cholestasis: increase

Question 18

Do you needs to test for BA if BR high?

Answer 18

no (same pathway)

Question 19

When are BA elevated?

Answer 19

PSS

parenchymal disease in liver

post-prandial

Question 20

List the additional dx procedures for liver?

Answer 20