Hepatic Dz Flashcards
General CS of Hepatic Dz
Depression, anorexia, WL, Icterus, ataxia
+/- hepatic encephalopathy
Diagnostic tests for hepatic dz
Hx, CS, Chem, UA, Fecal (parasites), fibrinogen (MDB)
Enzymatic (detect dz): GGT, ALP, GLDH, AST, SDH
Function tests: BR, BA, globulin, glucose, BUN, triglycerides, albumin
Hepatic US and bx (histopathology)
Tx therapy goals for Hepatic Dz (general)
Remove cause and tx dz (prevent more absorption)
Prevent ammonia production and absorption (gut)
Diet (↓ protein and ↑ carbs)
Supportive therapy (IV, analgesics, abx)
Plant species associated with pyrrolizdine toxicity (PA)
Ragwort, buttereeed, groundsel, rattlebox,
How do horses obtain PA toxicity?
Consumed when it’s only green forage available or in baled hay (unpalatable when fresh)
CS 14d after ingestion
CS of PA toxicity
Chronic progressive
Liver failure signs, WL, behavior, aimless wandering and pacing
Licking inanimate objects, blindness
Convulsions & coma then death
Pyrrolizidine Toxicity (PA) pathology
GIT absorption → detox in the liver → pyrroles → bind to protein and nucleic acid within hepatocytes →cross linked DNA → megalocytosis →die and replaced by fibrous tissue
Dx PA
MBD: ↑ liver enzymes and BA
Bx (confirming)
Chemistries + CBC: BA, SDH, triglycerides
Results of bx of a horse with ACUTE PA toxicity
Acute: periportal changes, moderate to severe centrilobular necrosis with hemorrhage
Results of bx of a horse with CHRONIC PA toxicity
Hepatocellular death in portal areas
Megalocytosis, fibrosis, biliary hyperplasia
Tx of PA toxicity
Remove source, prevent further absorption
IV fluids, NSAIDs
Stabilize membranes (antioxidants, Vit E)
Modified diet of a horse with PA toxicity
Low amounts of high-quality protein
Large amounts of complex CHO (no grain, grass only)
Other hepatic toxins
Phenylbutazone, flunixin, acetaminophen, salicylates and antifungals
@ high doses for long time
Parsacaris equorum (parasite)
Horses <2y (adults immune)
Burrows in SI → migrate through veins to liver, heart and lungs
CS of P. equorum
Young, dull dry hair coat, slow growth, +/- cough, nasal discharge
Dx P. equorum
Hx, signalment and fecal (>400 eggs found)
Tx of P. equorum
slow kill anthelmintics (fenbendazole)
Vitamin/ mineral
Fluids, NSAIDs, analgesics PRN
If colic: sx
Verminous hepatitis
Larval migration through hepatic parenchyma
Tx: NSAIDs (dead worms in body) and DMSO (10%)
Large strongyles
S. edentatus (liver and peritoneum)
S equinus (liver)
S. vulgaris
CS of large strongyles infestation
Poor performance, dull/ rough hair coat, diarrhea, WL, recurring colic, pot belly and stunted growth
What diseases cause equine hepatitis
Acute Hepatic necrosis (Theiler’s/ serum sickness)
Parvovirus and hepacivirus
Tyzzer’s
Cholangiohepatitis
Acute Hepatic Necrosis
Associated with vaccines and summer/fall
Limited to adult horses
Acute to subacute
CS of acute hepatic necrosis
Admin vx 1-3w before
Hepatic failure, anorexic, icteric, head pressing and sudden death
Parvo and Equine Hepacivirus
Cause acute inflammation or no CS and ↑ liver enzymes for a few weeks
Healthy carriers with no CS = reservoirs for infection
Differentiate via serology