Food Animal Metabolic: Hepatic lipidosis "Fatty Liver" Flashcards
What is known as a metabolic dz of transition cows?
Hepatic lipidosis
What CS should you be concerned about with hepatic lipidosis?
INFLAMMATION
- Will then have scarring, hardening…25% mortality without tx.*
- Will also see yellowish coloration and sponge-like appearance.*
What are risk factors for hepatic lipidosis?
Pretty much the same as ketosis
high milk producer
small rumen capacity
decreased appetite
obese
When does hepatic lipidosis occur?
>50% immediately AFTER calving
What is considered periparturient diseases?
RFM
Metritis
DA
Mastitis
Nutritional imbalances
How does the liver produce hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) steroid?
Excessive FA from adipose → GH, glucagon, catecholamine stimualte →hormone sensitive lipase steroid is created.
*There is also an increase of NEFA

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.
True

T/F: When hepatocytes accumulate TG liver failure will follow.
True
What is the pathway that occurs that stops the increased synthesis of VLDL’s?
cell swelling→ disrupts cell metabolism →increased liver enzyme levels → loss of hepatic fx→capsule rupture →inability to increase VLDL synthesis.
What is the purpose of VLDL?
To transport TG
The outer coat = phospholipids (hydrophilic)
T/F: Potential TG overflow system for liver is very responsive in the cow.
False
How do you dx hepatic lipidosis?
US (look for liver and GB)

Where is the liver and GB located on the cow?
What can you see with the GB?
Liver: 6-12 ICS right
GB: 10-11 ICS right

What are you looking for on US when dx hepatic lipidosis?
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
What pathology will you see on the liver during sx or necropsy?
Liver wil have fatty degeneration.
GB will have edema.
On a chem panel, what will you see that proves a cow has hepatic lipidosis?
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)*
How would i perform a liver bx on a cow?
Using tru-cut technique.

When will a liver be considered abnormal at necoropsy?
If the TG are >20% wet weight.
Floats in formalin.
Histopath will see macrovacuoles (increased nucleus size)
What are CS for hepatic lipidosis?
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
How would you tx hepati lipidosis?
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
T/F: prevention is more rewarding than treatment.
True
How much dextrose and insulin should you give a cow with hepatic lipidosis?
50% dextrose 500ml SID or BID (or 5% infusion) +/- insulin (200IU SQ 24-36hours)
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
a. not enough VLDL relative to TG needed.
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
D. Biopsy
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