Food Animal Metabolic: Hepatic lipidosis "Fatty Liver"

Question 1

What is known as a metabolic dz of transition cows?

Answer 1

Hepatic lipidosis

Question 2

What CS should you be concerned about with hepatic lipidosis?

Answer 2

INFLAMMATION

• Will then have scarring, hardening…25% mortality without tx.*
• Will also see yellowish coloration and sponge-like appearance.*

Question 3

What are risk factors for hepatic lipidosis?

Answer 3

Pretty much the same as ketosis

high milk producer

small rumen capacity

decreased appetite

obese

Question 4

When does hepatic lipidosis occur?

Answer 4

>50% immediately AFTER calving

Question 5

What is considered periparturient diseases?

Answer 5

RFM

Metritis

DA

Mastitis

Nutritional imbalances

Question 6

How does the liver produce hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) steroid?

Answer 6

Excessive FA from adipose → GH, glucagon, catecholamine stimualte →hormone sensitive lipase steroid is created.

*There is also an increase of NEFA

Question 7

T/F: The liver can become overwhelmed by FA because it can’t oxidize it fast enough, so the FA is converted back to Triglycerides.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

T/F: When hepatocytes accumulate TG liver failure will follow.

Answer 8

True

Question 9

What is the pathway that occurs that stops the increased synthesis of VLDL’s?

Answer 9

cell swelling→ disrupts cell metabolism →increased liver enzyme levels → loss of hepatic fx→capsule rupture →inability to increase VLDL synthesis.

Question 10

What is the purpose of VLDL?

Answer 10

To transport TG

The outer coat = phospholipids (hydrophilic)

Question 11

T/F: Potential TG overflow system for liver is very responsive in the cow.

Answer 11

False

Question 12

How do you dx hepatic lipidosis?

Answer 12

US (look for liver and GB)

Question 13

Where is the liver and GB located on the cow?

What can you see with the GB?

Answer 13

Liver: 6-12 ICS right

GB: 10-11 ICS right

Question 14

What are you looking for on US when dx hepatic lipidosis?

Answer 14

Look for portal vein. Lumen will be anechoic with echogenic walls because of the currounding connective tissue in portal tracts.

think portal v. is “port in a storm” : bright light

Question 15

What pathology will you see on the liver during sx or necropsy?

Answer 15

Liver wil have fatty degeneration.

GB will have edema.

Question 16

On a chem panel, what will you see that proves a cow has hepatic lipidosis?

Answer 16

Hypoglycemia <75mg/dL

Decreased BUN (product of ammonia catabolism)

• If you ask for it can also see:*
• LOW INSULIN, increased NEFA, KETONES, AMMONIA (these guys found in the serum)*

Question 17

How would i perform a liver bx on a cow?

Answer 17

Using tru-cut technique.

Question 18

When will a liver be considered abnormal at necoropsy?

Answer 18

If the TG are >20% wet weight.

Floats in formalin.

Histopath will see macrovacuoles (increased nucleus size)

Question 19

What are CS for hepatic lipidosis?

Answer 19

If you know its a transition cow!!!

Obese

Chronic unresponsive ketosis

long transition period

severe weight loss

drier manure than penmates

Decreased milk production

weak/depressed

other fresh cow dz involved

Question 20

How would you tx hepati lipidosis?

Answer 20

Establish a positive energy balance.

Orogastric tube (alfalfa slurries, electrolytes, propylene glycol [glucose precursor])

transfaunation

IV electrolytes

Vit B and Mg, Ca complex

Dexamethasone

Abx if infectious dz

Question 21

T/F: prevention is more rewarding than treatment.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

How much dextrose and insulin should you give a cow with hepatic lipidosis?

Answer 22

50% dextrose 500ml SID or BID (or 5% infusion) +/- insulin (200IU SQ 24-36hours)

Question 23

From the following select why cows are more prone to the development of fatty liver. The liver has:

a. not enough VLDL relative to TG needed
b. too much acetyl-CoA
c. low ketone production capacity
d. insufficient apolipoprotein production capacity
e. relativley small size

Answer 23

a. not enough VLDL relative to TG needed.

Question 24

Which of the following is the BEST dx test/procedure for fatty liver in cattle?

a. GGT
b. AST
c. BUN
d. Biopsy
e. Bilirubin

Answer 24

D. Biopsy

Question 25

know this pathway map

Answer 25

Question 26

Know this map

Answer 26

Question 27

Know this map

Answer 27

Question 28

Know this map

Answer 28

Question 29

Know both of these images just in case

Answer 29

Question 30

know this in case

Answer 30

know this