Hepatoencephalopathy and hypocalcemia in a miniature horse mare.

The research article discusses the diagnosis and successful treatment of a pregnant miniature horse mare that was displaying signs of liver disease (hepatoencephalopathy) and low calcium (hypocalcemia).

Research Context

The mare was identified as pregnant and had overt clinical signs of hepatoencephalopathy and hypocalcemia. These manifested in various forms such as:

• Apparent dullness and reluctance to eat (inappetence)
• Blindness and head pressing, which are indicative of neurological abnormalities
• Physical weakness and muscle fasiculations – abnormal spontaneous muscle contractions
• Eye inflammation (uveitis) and loss of control over urine release (urinary incontinence)

Biochemical Analysis

A serum biochemical analysis further confirmed the liver dysfunction and hypocalcemia in the mare. The serum biochemistry analysis is a blood test that helps assess the function of various body organs – in this case, liver function – and the level of calcium in the bloodstream.

Treatment Administered

One key aspect of the research paper discusses the treatment administered. The mare was compehensively catered to with:

• A continuous infusion of Ringer solution (a solution of several salts to maintain hydration), calcium gluconate (supplement to treat low calcium), dextrose (sugar to maintain energy), B-complex vitamins, sodium ampicillin (antibiotic), and flunixin meglumine (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
• Topical administration of ophthalmic ointments to treat eye inflammation.
• Decompression of the urinary bladder was also done, which is likely to treat the urinary incontinence experienced by the mare.

Probable Cause of Illness

An additional notable point in the study is the probable cause highlighted for the health issues. A biopsy (tissue sample) investigation of the liver showed signs of acute hepatic necrosis – sudden death of liver cells. The research suspects an association with a vaccine of equine origin which the mare was given two months earlier. It suggests the potential adverse effect of the vaccine on the liver health of the mare.