Hepatic diseases in horses.
Abstract: The concept 'liver disease' includes several pathological conditions affecting liver's functions. It can either consist of a temporary impaired functioning of the liver and/or it can progress to its failure. The purpose of this review is to update the knowledge on hepatobiliary diseases and in particular on equine hyperlipaemia. Hepatobiliary disease's aetiology, clinical signs, diagnosis and nutritional management are thus described in the first part of the review the second part being devoted to hyperlypaemia's lipid metabolism, epidemiology, clinical signs, post-mortem observations and nutritional management. Diagnosis of hepatic disease is usually based on the assessment of the serum activities while hepatic biopsy is considered as the golden standard of diagnosis of hepatic function. Nutritional management is often very useful in management of hepatic diseases: diet should be low in protein (of good biological value) and high in non-structural carbohydrates except for chronic hepatic disease (slightly high protein). Equine hyperlipaemia's mortality is around 70%. It consists of a disorder of lipid metabolism, characterized by increase in plasma triglycerides and deposition of fat on organs. From a nutritional point of view, hyperlipaemia in horses can be approached by maintaining positive energy balance, fighting dehydration and metabolic acidosis, and by the use of lipotropic factors.
Publication Date: 2008-05-15 PubMed ID: 18477316DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2007.00798.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Review
Summary
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The research article provides an in-depth analysis of liver diseases in horses, with a particular focus on equine hyperlipaemia. It also offers insights into the diagnosis and nutritional management of these hepatic diseases for better equine health.
Hepatobiliary Disease Overview
- Hepatobiliary disease refers to various pathological conditions that affect the functioning of the liver. These conditions result in a temporary or lasting malfunction of the liver and, in worst-case scenarios, can lead to liver failure.
- The article explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and nutritional management of hepatobiliary diseases. Understanding these aspects can help in early detection and proper treatment of liver diseases in horses.
Hyperlipaemia in Horses
- The research also focuses on a specific condition known as equine hyperlipaemia. This disease is characterized by abnormal lipid metabolism, causing an increase in plasma triglycerides and deposition of fat on various organs.
- The mortality rate for equine hyperlipaemia is distressingly high, around 70%, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and effective management of this condition.
Diagnosis of Hepatic Disease
- As per this review, diagnosis of hepatic disease usually depends on the evaluation of serum activities, a biological marker for the severity of the disease.
- However, hepatic biopsy is regarded as the most reliable method for diagnosing liver function and thus most definitive in diagnosing hepatic diseases.
Nutritional Management
- Nutritional management is a crucial part of treating hepatic diseases in horses. A diet low in protein, but comparatively rich in non-structural carbohydrates is recommended for afflicted horses. Exceptions are made for chronic hepatic diseases where slightly higher protein intake may be beneficial.
- For managing equine hyperlipaemia, steps should include maintaining a positive energy balance, preventing dehydration and metabolic acidosis, and utilizing lipotropic factors, which promote the breakdown of fat.
Cite This Article
APA
Bergero D, Nery J.
(2008).
Hepatic diseases in horses.
J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl), 92(3), 345-355.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2007.00798.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- DIPAEE, Grugliasco (TO), Italy. domenico.bergero@unito.it
MeSH Terms
- Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / physiology
- Animals
- Biliary Tract Diseases / diagnosis
- Biliary Tract Diseases / epidemiology
- Biliary Tract Diseases / pathology
- Biliary Tract Diseases / veterinary
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses
- Hyperlipidemias / diagnosis
- Hyperlipidemias / epidemiology
- Hyperlipidemias / pathology
- Hyperlipidemias / veterinary
- Liver Diseases / diagnosis
- Liver Diseases / epidemiology
- Liver Diseases / pathology
- Liver Diseases / veterinary
- Male
- Prevalence
References
This article includes 73 references
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