Diseases of the Hepatobiliary System p843-872 Flashcards

1
Q

When is abx therapy indicated in liver failure?

A

When cholelithiasis, cholangitis and cholangiohepatitis are present, as well as liver dysfunction caused as a secondary problem to sepsis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

In animals with hepatoencephalopathy, what drugs should be avoided and why?

A

Diazepam and other benzodiazepines, due to their ability to ENHANCE GABA on inhibitory neurons, thus ability to worsen HE. Sedation, when necessary in these animals, should be done with small amounts of alpha2-agonists.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Why is a low protein/high starch diet, with a high BCAA/AAA ratio important in animals with hepatoencephalopathy?

A

During hepatic dysfunction, the hepatic metabolism of aromatic amino acids (AAA) is reduced and accumulation occurs. AAA can mimic neurotransmitters, aggravating signs of HE. Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are metabolized by adipose and muscle.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

This drug aims to reduce intestinal ammonia absorption by suppressing enteric ammonia production. It is more nephrotoxic than a cousin drug and can be irritating to the intestinal mucosa. It’s used at 10-30 mg/kg PO q6-12hr
A) Lactulose
B) Neomycin
C) Metronidazole

A

B) Neomycin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

This drug is used for limiting intestinal ammonia absorption. It is used at 0.2-0.5 mL/kg PO, q6-8hr. It works by being poorly absorbed by the SI, creating an acidic environment and a gradient for ammonia to migrate from the blood stream to the large colon. Here it is trapped and expelled.
A) Lactulose
B) Neomycin
C) Metronidazole

A

A) Lactulose

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

This drug at 10-15 mg/kg, q12h, can be used in conjunction with acetic acid (0.5 mL/kg, PO q12h) and mineral oil, for limiting intestinal ammonia absorption. This drug is metabolized by the liver and signs of toxicity can mimic hepaticencephalopathy.
A) Lactulose
B) Neomycin
C) Metronidazole

A

C) Metronidazole

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the purpose of Vit E (10,000 U PO, q24h) and pentoxifylline (8-10 mg/kg PO q12hr) in hepaticencephalopathy?

A

Vit E acts an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Pentoxifylline works as a nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, providing weak inhibition of inflamm cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6. It also decreases RBC deformability, possibly preventing microthrombosis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

This drug is given at 20 mg/kg, PO q24h and can be given in cases of hepaticencephalopathy due to reduced endogenous production. This drug augments glutathione synthase levels in the hepatocyte, stabilization of membrane function, modification of cytokine expression and inhibition of apoptosis in normal cells.
A) DMSO
B) N-acetylcystein (NAC)
C) S-adenoslymethionine (SAMe)

A

C) S-adenoslymethionine (SAMe)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

This drug may act as an antioxidant and can aid in dissolving intrabiliary sludge or small calcium bilirubinate stones. Can cause hemolytic crisis in those with already fragile RBCs.
A) DMSO
B) N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
C) S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

A

A) DMSO

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

This drug is though to be cytoprotective, improve hepatic microcirculation and oxygen delivery, enhance hepatic metabolic functions by restoring glutathione levels, block TNF-alpha release and act a free radical scavenger. Typically dosed at 70 mg/kg IV, q6hr, for two days.
A) DMSO
B) N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
C) S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

A

B) N-acytelcysteine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

I am a disease aka as enzootic hepatitis. I am transmitted by A) _____. I cause abortions in pregnant females and B) _____ in lambs, kids, and calves. My mortality rate in adults is C) < or > in young animals. On necropsy, I will have caused hepatomegaly and hemorrhage, with histopath showing eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies. The state and federal regulatory veterinarian D) does or does not need to be called.

A

A) Mosquitos
B) Fever
C) Lower, a lot lower; in younger approaches 100%, in adults 20-30%
D) DOES NEED TO BE CONTACTED

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Telangiectasia is known as “sawdust livers” in the slaughter houses. What histopath changes are seen and what clinical signs are caused by this disease?

A

Telangiectasia is a focal degeneration of liver lobular ciruclation, with red-brown foci. Causing about 10% of condemnations, this disease has no clinical signs. Proposed pathogenesis is necrotizing hepatitis, ischemia induced by imboli, Vit E-selenium deficicency, immune mediated or reduced density of the reticulin framework.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What causes the classic “nutmeg” liver?

A

Congestion of blood in the sinusoids and central veins.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

This equine disease causes abortion. The fetus can have hepatocyte necrosis with acidophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in more than 50% of the hepatocytes.

A

Equine herpes virus

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

The following characteristics are that of flow-limited drugs or capacity-limited drugs?

  1. High hepatic excretion ratio
  2. Quick and efficient excretion
  3. Rate of elimination only limited by hepatic blood flow
  4. Morphine and lidocaine as examples
  5. Liver dysfunction causes increased bioavailability and decreased elimination
A

Flow-limited drugs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

The following characteristics are that of flow-limited drugs or capacity-limited drugs?

  1. Low hepatic extraction ratio
  2. Slowly extracted by the liver
  3. Elimination is highly dependent on hepatocellular uptake and metabolism
  4. Effects on these drugs are variable
  5. Clearance seen to be increased with atenolol, decreased with diazepam and chloramphenicol
A

Capacity-limited drugs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the two phases of drug metabolism in the liver? What is the purpose?

A
  1. Oxidative phase

2. Glucuronidation These make the drugs water soluble and prepare them for excretion via the kidney

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is a common laboratory finding in large animals with hepatocellular neoplasias?

A

Erythrocytosis because of a paraneoplastic syndrome and increased production of erythropoietin.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is hemochromatosis and how is it differentiated from hemosiderosis?

A

Hemochromatosis is a disorder caused by deposition of hemosiderin in the parenchymal cells.Hemosiderosis is iron accumulation in the reticuloendothelial cells, not the hepatocytes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What breed of cattle is seen to be affected by hemochromatosis? What is the inheritance pattern?

A

Salers cattle pass on hemochromatosis through autosomal recessive. There is an inappropriate absorption of iron by the GI tract, with subsequent hepatic storage and overload, ultimately leading to loss of hepatic function.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

When diagnosing hemochromatosis, what are normal liver iron concentrations in horses? In cattle?

A

In horses: 100-300 ppmIn cattle: 84-100 ppm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Histopath of the liver of an animal with hemochromatosis reveals what?

A

Iron deposits in the liver, brown pigment stains the hepatocytes and the Kupffer cells.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Biliary tract disease is rare in large animals. T/F

A

True.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Match the correct term with the definition.
Cholelithiasis
Choledocholithiasis
Hepatolithiasis

A) The most common cause of biliary obstruction in large animals, occurs more frequently in horses, stones found in the common bile duct

B) Biliary calculi located in either the bile ducts or gallbladder

C) Presence of calculi in the intrahepatic bile ducts above the right and left hepatic ducts

A

Cholelithiasis - B
Choledocholithiasis - A
Hepatolithiasis - C

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

A triad of these clinical signs cause suspicion of cholelithasis.

A

Recurrent abdominal pain, intermittent pyrexia and icterus

Hyperammonemic hepatic encephalopathy, photosensitization and weight loss are less common features.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Cholestasis should be suspected in the horse if more than 25-30% of the total bilirubin is

A) Indirect
B) Direct

A

B) Direct

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What are some ultrasonographic changes seen in animals with cholelithiasis?

A

Hepatomegaly, bile duct dilation, parallel channel sign (dilation of interhepatic biliary radicals adjacent to the portal vein), stones themselves, Cholelithiasis can accurately be diagnosed by US in at least 75% of horses if adequate scanning of the liver is obtained and bile duct dilation and choleliths are visualized.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Which of the following is incorrect regarding to treatment of cholelithiasis?

A) Broad-spectrum abx aimed at gram (+) enteric bacteria or anaerobes
B) Continuation of abx 6 weeks past time when GGT values return to normal
C) DMSO for aid in dissolving intrabiliary sludge or small calcium bilirubinate stones
D) Fluid therapy to thin secretions and promote bile flow

A

A) Broad spectrum abx should be aimed at Gram (-) bacteria. IV abx great, and then switch to orals. Chloramphenicol great choice in horses, due to good spectrum against most bacteria, BUT metabolized by liver. If hepatic function is NO BUENO, DO NOT USE.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Which of the following describes the animal MOST likely to develop hepatic lipidosis?

A. Late, dry, dairy cow, who is being slowly introduced to the lactation diet
B. BCS 4.5 beef cow that has had her calf and is on good quality pasture
C. Early lactation, high producing dairy cow that went through a long calving interval
D. BCS 3.0 beef cow, with twins, who has maintained an adequate appetite through the transition period

A

C. Early lactation, high producing dairy cow that went through a long calving interval
Breed differences: Dairy cattle seen to have fatty liver in the first 4 weeks after calving, while in beef cattle, this disease is seen in late lactation, overweight, well-fed cattle that have had a drop in feed (due to feed shortage, or in cattle that are so over-conditioned that they are unable to consume enough energy for themselves)
The primary PRE-partum risk factors for developing hepatic lipidosis are : BCS > 4.0, severe feed restrictions, feeding excess energy and long calving interval
The primary POST-partum risk factors for developing hepatic lipidosis are: concurrent diseases, anorexia or fasting, feed restriction, sudden feed changes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What are some concurrent disease that can be seen with hepatic lipidosis?

A

Metritis, displaced abomasum, retained fetal membranes, parturient paresis, mastitis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Ultrasound changes can be subjective, but what might indicate hepatic lipidosis?

A

ncreased echogenicity, brighter, liver may be larger and more rounded

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What is the gold standard for diagnosing hepatic lipidosis? How are the results interpreted?

A

Liver biopsy is gold standard. Identifying fatty infiltration, by percentage of hepatocytes varies. In apparently health, high producing post-partum cattle, there will be a moderate amount of fat present in the liver. Once the fat is more than 34% wet weight, this correlates with signs of disease. This is determined by the tissue sample floating in distilled water with SG of 1.000. The liver, on necropsy, will appear to be swollen, with rounded edges, pale yellow in color and can flow. The fatty infiltrate occurs in the centrilobular and intermediate areas.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What is the basic pathogenesis behind hepatic lipidosis?

A

There is an overwhelming amount of triglycerides formed that that exceeds oxidation capacity and the formation and release of VLDLs into the periphery. Ruminants already have a poor ability to export excess lipids from he liver.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What are some management tools to prevent hepatic lipidosis from occurring?

A

Preventing over-conditioning of late lactation cattle, making sure the cattle are fed, but NOT OVERFED. Supplementation with cobalt, a Vit B12 precursor, can help provide precursors for gluconeogenesis. Treating cattle aggressively for the other concurrent diseases.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

When does pregnancy toxemia occur in small ruminants?

A

This occurs 2-4 weeks prior to parturition. Seen in ewes that have more than one fetus and in does with 3-4 feti. The ewes can be seen to be overly fat.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What blood work changes are noted in small ruminant pregnancy toxemia?

A

Serum BHB is typically > 1 mmol/L. Ketonuria typically occurs before ketonemia.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What are the two principles of treatment of ketosis?

A
  1. Administering exogenous energy source

2. Remove factors requiring energy demand on the email

38
Q

How can parturition be induced in ewes and does?

A

15-20 mg of dexamethasone/ewe 10 mg of dexamethasone/doe

39
Q

How much propylene glycol or IV glucose can be given to support small ruminants with pregnancy toxemia?

A

Oral propylene glycol - 150-200 mL given q12 for the first two doses then 60 mL/dose for 3-6 additional days

IV glucose 150-200 mL of 10-20% as a bolus followed by a drip of 5-10%

40
Q

Pancreatitis in cattle and in horses is a rare finding. How is it best diagnosed?

A) Laboratory findings
B) Ultrasonographic findings
C) Histology from necropsy
D) Antemortem biopsy

A

C) Histology on necropsy

41
Q

List some causes of pancreatitis in cattle and horses.

A

Migrating parasites, bacterial or viral infections, immune-mediated damage, biliary or pancreatic duct inflammatory disease, vitamin D tox, Vit A or E deficiencies. Drugs known to cause pancreatitis in humans, that are used in horses are: furosemide, tetracycline, estrogen, corticosteroids

42
Q

Clinical signs of pancreatitis are non-specific. What are they?

A

Mod-severe abdominal pain, gastric reflux, hypovolemic shock, cardiovascular compromise.

43
Q

If laboratory work is done to diagnosis pancreatitis, what are some values of importance?

A
Serum amylase 14-35 IU/L
Serum lipase23-87 IU/L
Peritoneal fluid amylase 0-14 IU/L
Peritoneal fluid lipase 0-36 IU/L
Trypsin 28.5 ng/mL
44
Q

This laboratory finding is most specific to the pancreas and its activity was significantly higher in horses with pancreatic damage than in healthy horses.

A) Serum amylase
B) Serum lipase
C) Serum trypsin
D) Serum GGT

A

C) Serum trypsin This enzyme is specific to the pancreas, as amylase originates from the salivary gland and lipase originates from the liver. GGT levels are not a sensitive indicator of pancreatic disease. Trypsin activates its own zymogen and those of other pancreatic enzymes as well.

45
Q

Management of pancreatitis consists of what?

A

This is symptomatic. Gastric decompression is often needed, as well as control of abdominal pain, IV fluids to correct hypovolemia, Abx due to secondary bacterial infections

46
Q

Chronic interstitial pancreatitis has been known to be correlated with what parasites in cattle and horses?

A

In horses: Strongylus equinus and Strongylus edentatus, one report of Parascaris equorumIn cattle: Eurytrema pancreaticum and Eurytrema coelomaticum, but these have not been isolated in the US

47
Q

Pancreatitis in cattle occurs most frequently with what disorder?

A

Type I diabetes mellitus

48
Q

What does histopath usually find in examination of cattle with pancreatitis?

A

Absence of beta cells in the islet tissues

49
Q

What is the clinical significance of finding pancreatic calculi in older cattle? > 5 yrs

A

Usually an incidental finding on necropsy. Generally made of calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate. Predisposing factors are silica-rich soil, vit A deficiency or chronic inflammation of pancreatic ducts

50
Q

Icterus is caused by 3 failed processes involving bilirubin. What are they?

A
  1. Failure of bilirubin uptake
  2. Failure of conjugation of bilirubin
  3. Failure to excrete of bilirubin
51
Q

In ruminants, icterus is less likely due to acute liver disease and more attributed to what?

A

Hemolysis, as seen in anaplasmosis or copper toxicity, for example

52
Q

Diarrhea can be seen in ruminants with chronic liver failure. Why is this?

A

Portal hypertension and increased hydrostatic pressure can lead to diarrhea in ruminants with chronic liver failure.

53
Q

What is the mechanism behind how portal hypertension, due to chronic liver failure, leads to ascites?

A

Venous blockage produces increased hydrostatic pressure, which causes portal hypertension. Protein leakage occurs into the peritoneal cavity. This leakage comes from the increased production of hepatic lymph, which is high in protein. The lymph leaks into the interstitial space and then into the peritoneal cavity.

54
Q

Why does hepatic photosensitization occur in animals with liver failure?

A

Bacterial degradation in the rumen, of chlorophyll, creates a photodynamic agent called phylloerythrin. This is typically conjugated in the liver and excreted in the bile. With liver failure, the phylloerythrin is transported to the skin, reacts with sunlight and emits an energy that causes lesions to the white areas.

55
Q

Which clotting factors are produced in the liver?

A

I, II, V, VII, IX, X

56
Q

What are some speculations as to the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy?

A
  1. Synergistic neurotoxins pass excretion through the kidney
  2. Manganese deposition in the globes pallidus region of the brain; increased levels due to lack of excretion by the liver
  3. Neurosteroids with GABA-agonist properties, i.e. ammonia plays a role in the metabolism of GABA and could act synergistically
  4. Increased concentrations of branched chain amino acids compete for entry into the CNS and may lead to increased production of inhibitory neurotransmitters
57
Q

What are some liver leakage enzymes?

A

SDH, LDH, GDH, AST

58
Q

What are some liver enzymes that are seen with cholestasis?

A

GGT, ALP

These are more likely to elevate in chronic hepatic disease than leakage enzymes.

59
Q

What other tissues can GGT come from?

A

Pancreases, mammary gland, lung, kidney tubules

60
Q

What other sources can ALP come from?

A

Bone, intestines, placenta, and macrophages

61
Q

Why is ammonia a good assessment of liver function?

A

The liver is responsible for converting ammonia to urea by the hepatic urea cycle. The ammonia comes from degradation of protein and amino acids in the GI and is carried to the liver in the portal circulation.

62
Q

Match the location of a liver biopsy with the following species:
Equine, bovine, small ruminants

A) Horizontal line cranial from middle of paralumbar fossa to where line crosses 11th ICS on the right side
B) Line drawn from tuber coxae to point of the shoulder, intersection of 14th ICS
C) Line level with ventral end of last rib, intersecting with 9th or 10th ICS

A

Bovine A) Horizontal line cranial from middle of paralumbar fossa to where line crosses 11th ICS on the right side
Equine B) Line drawn from tuber coxae to point of the shoulder, intersection of 14th ICS
Small ruminants C) Line level with ventral end of last rib, intersecting with 9th or 10th ICS

63
Q

What are indications of a poor prognosis in liver disease, for equine?

A

Low albumin, less than 2.5 g/dL
Increased globulin level
Prothrombin time greater than 30% of normal
Greatly elevated GGT and ALP

64
Q

A recently parturient lactating mare presents to the hospital with depression, jaundice, pica and behavioral changes consistent with hepatic encephalopathy. Blood reveals elevated bile acids, decreased BUN, hyperammonemia and prolonged clotting times. What drug should be avoided, when attempting to sedate this mare for a liver biopsy?

A) Xylazine
B) Ketamine
C) Butorphanol
D) Midazolam

A

D) Midazolam

With suspicion of liver disease, benzodiazepines should be avoided, as they have a GABA like behavior and will exacerbate inhibitory neuron activity.

65
Q

A recently parturient lactating mare presents to the hospital with depression, jaundice, pica and behavioral changes consistent with hepatic encephalopathy. Blood reveals elevated bile acids, decreased BUN, hyperammonemia and prolonged clotting times. A liver biopsy is retrieved, revealing widespread necrosis of hepatocytes and the centrilobular and midzonal areas replaced by eosinophilic granular mass. What is the most likely etiology for this mare’s liver failure?

A) Ingestion of tansy ragwort
B) Administration of tetanus antitoxin
C) Overdose of tetracyclines
D) Lymphoma

A

B) Administration of TAT. This mare likely has Theiler’s disease, aka idiopathic acute hepatic disease (IAHD). Equine plasma is also associated with IAHD. A viral etiology has been shown to be present, now called Theiler’s disease-assoc virus. 2-3 mths after admin of blood products, acute hepatic failure can occur.

66
Q

What diet changes should occur in a mare suspected to have Theiler’s disease?

A) Decrease carbohydrates and protein
B) Decrease carbohydrates and increase protein
C) Increase carbohydrates and protein
D) Increase carbohydrates and decrease protein

A

D) Decreasing quantity of proteins and increasing carbohydrates will help in lessening degree of abnormal behavior assoc with hepatic encephalopathy. Diets high in branched chain amino acids will also help.

67
Q

This is the etiologic agent for Black Disease.

A) Clostridium chauveoi
B) Clostridium sordelli
C) Clostridium novyi type B
D) Clostridium hemolyticum

A

C) Clostridium novyi type B

68
Q

How do animals acquire the Black disease etiologic agent and how does it cause Black disease?

A

C. novyi type B can be ingested from the soil and found in the GI system and livers grazing on affected pasture. Once ingested, the bacteria becomes disseminated throughout the macrophage system. Once anaerobic conditions become available, the spores will germinate and enter a vegetative state. As proliferation occurs, necrosis of the liver occurs, due to the exotoxins produced.

69
Q

What are the exotoxins produced by the etiologic agent of Black Disease?

A

There is an alpha- and beta-toxin released from C. novyi Type B. The alpha-toxin enters the cell by receptor-mediated endocytosis and inhibits triphosphatases. The beta-toxin is a necrotizing and hemolytic phospholipase C.

70
Q

What clinical sign of Black Disease gave its name and how does this occur?

A

The exotoxins fro C. novyi Type B causes venous congestion, thus blackening the skin.

71
Q

What’s the most common clinical sign of Black Disease?

A) Peracute death
B) Icterus
C) Hepatic encephalopathy
D) Venous congestion

A

A) Peracute death due to the destruction of the exotoxins to vascular endothelium and then organ failure.

72
Q

What is the primary lesion of Black Disease seen on necropsy?

A

Multiple areas of hepatic necrosis, appearing yellow to white and surrounded by a broad zone of hyperemia.

73
Q

What is the predisposing agent that destroys the liver and allows Black Disease and Bacillary hemoglobinuria to occur?

A

Fasciola hepatica

74
Q

Bacillary hemoglobinuria or Redwater disease is caused by what?

A) Clostridium chauveoi
B) Clostridium sordelli
C) Clostridium novyi type B
D) Clostridium hemolyticum

A

D) C. hemolyticum, or C. novyi type D

75
Q

What is the most important exotoxins of C. hemolyticum and how does it’s destructive properties differ from that of Black Disease?

A

The beta-toxin from C. hemolyticum is a phospholipase C, which ultimately causes hepatocyte necrosis, hemolysis and damage to vascular epithelium. It differs from C. novyi Type B because it causes hemoglobinuria.

76
Q

What is the pathognomonic lesion of bacillary hemoglobinuria?

A

Ischemic hepatic infarct, which has a zone of hyperemia at its interface with viable liver tissue. Coagulation necrosis, partially liquified at its center.

77
Q

What is the causative organism for Tyzzer’s disease and what age of horse does it affect?

A

Typically found in foals 7-42 days old, Clostridium piliforme is the causative agent.

78
Q

What is the prognosis for Tyzzer’s disease?

A

C. piliforme in foals in highly fatal.

79
Q

This mineral toxicity is the best documented of the toxic causes of liver failure and can occur following administration of nutritional supplements.

A

Iron toxicity can occur with supplements containing ferrous fumarate. Clinical signs start with hepatoencephalopathy and icterus.

80
Q

What are several congenital/inherited disease that are the cause of liver disease in equine or farm animals?

A

Congenital portosystemic shunts can occur infrequently in both equine and bovine patients.

Hepatic failure can be seen in Morgan foals and is fatal, often ending in a terminal hemolytic crisis.

Glycogen branching enzyme deficiency is found in QH and Paint horses. This is a autosomal recessive mutation in the glycogen branching enzyme I. Foals are unable to store and mobilize glycogen to maintain normal glucose homeostasis.

81
Q

What is kernicterus?

A

This is a bilirubin encephalopathy that occurs in foals with neonatal isoerythrolysis. Neurologic signs are caused by the neurotoxic effects of unconjugated bilirubin.

82
Q

Why might Vit E might be needed in chronic active hepatitis (CAH)?

A

CAH is an idiopathic progressive hepatopathy. Similar to an autoimmune or hypersensitivity in humans, this is often diagnosed by a liver biopsy with a mononuclear cell infiltrate located along the portal/periportal areas, along with biliary hyperplasia and fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Vit E may aid in protection of membrane phospholipids from oxidative damage and suppress activation of inflammatory cells.

83
Q

What are the primary plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids?

A) Astragalus and Oxytropis
B) Senecia and Crotalaria
C) Perilla frutescens
D) Pteridium aquilinum

A

B) Senecia and Crotalaria

Astragalus and Oxytropis are known as locoweeds
Perilla frutescens is perilla mint
Pteridium aquilinum is bracken fern

84
Q

When do clinical signs show up in animals that have been ingesting pyrrolizidine alkaloids? How do PAs cause clinical signs?

A

Signs occur when hepatocytes are lost and replaced by fibrous tissue. PAs are metabolized by liver to a more toxic pyrrole. These can cause cross-linking of double stranded DNA and become antimitotic. Megalocytes are created since hepatocytes cannot divide, and the liver becomes replaced with connective tissue.

85
Q

This liver fluke is the most common, in the south-central states, Florida and the PNW.

A) Fascioloides manga
B) Fasciola gigantica
C) Paramphistomum
D) Fasciola hepatica

A

D) Fasciola hepatica is the common liver fluke in the south-central states, Florida, and the PNW.

Fascioloides manga is the large American liver fluke and is not as common. F. gigantica is present in the tropics. Paramphistomum is a species of non pathogenic rumen flukes. These eggs on a fecal can be mistaken with F. hepatica and treatment for F. hepatica will result in continued fecal egg burden.

86
Q

Economic loss is probable with a liver fluke load of over 40 flukes. Clinical disease is seen with a load over ___ flukes.

A) 75
B) 150
C) 200
D) 300

A

C) 200

87
Q

Sheep and goats are a) MORE/LESS susceptible that cattle to Fasciola hepatica.

A

a) More

88
Q

What is the important vector of Fasciola hepatica? What stage affects cattle and small ruminants when ingested?

A

The mud snail is the vector for liver flukes. Intramolluscan development occurs, followed by the release of cercariae that encyst as infective metacercariae on pasture vegetation.

89
Q

Which of the following drugs is an effective flukecidal?

A) Ivermectin
B) Albendazole
C) Fenbendazole
D) Sulfadimethoxine

A

B) Albendazole 10 mg/kg

90
Q

Fusobacterium necrophorum has several virulence factors that contribute to development of liver abscesses. What is the major virulence factor? How do these factors cause pathogenesis?

A

Leukotoxin of subspecies necrophorum and subspecies funduliforme allow the pathogen to survive, proliferate and set up infection of the ruminal wall and liver.

The combination of effects are dermonecrotic, cytotoxic, survival in high oxygen concentrations, and phagocytic mechanisms.