Liver lobe torsion in six horses.
Abstract: 6 horses were determined to have torsion of a liver lobe at 4 referral institutions over a 21-year period. Results: Clinical findings were nonspecific but often included signs of marked inflammation. Two of the 6 horses were examined because of colic, and 2 were assessed because of peritonitis that failed to respond to treatment; the remaining 2 horses were examined because of nonspecific clinical signs that included inappetence, lethargy, and weight loss. The results of laboratory tests were widely variable, and values for liver enzyme activities were typically within reference limits or only mildly increased. Most affected horses had markedly increased peritoneal nucleated cell counts. Results: Exploratory laparotomy and resection of the affected liver lobe was performed in 5 horses. Three of those patients survived to discharge. Conclusions: Results suggested that diagnosis of liver lobe torsion in horses may be difficult because clinical signs and results of laboratory testing are nonspecific and variable. Most affected horses had markedly abnormal peritoneal fluid. The prognosis for hepatic lobe torsion can be good, and early surgical correction is expected to improve outcome.
Publication Date: 2012-08-25 PubMed ID: 22916859DOI: 10.2460/javma.241.5.615Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study examines six cases of liver lobe torsion in horses that happened over a 21-year period. It finds that the symptoms can be somewhat variable and non-specific, and diagnosis may be challenging as laboratory test results could vary. Exploratory surgery could lead to the successful treatment of the condition.
Objective of Study
- The study aimed to explore and document cases of liver lobe torsion in horses, with an emphasis on their clinical findings, diagnostic procedures, and outcomes. It essentially aims to determine the effective strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of liver lobe torsion in horses.
Methodology and Findings
- The researchers studied six horses with liver lobe torsion that were referred to four institutions over a period of 21 years.
- The horses exhibited non-specific clinical signs such as inflammation, colic, peritonitis, loss of appetite, lethargy, and weight loss.
- Diagnosis of the condition was proven to be difficult due to the non-specific and variable clinical symptoms and laboratory test results. Liver enzyme activities were usually within reference limits or only mildly increased, hence not indicative of the liver lobe torsion.
- However, most affected horses showed significant increases in peritoneal nucleated cell counts, suggesting marked abnormality in the peritoneal fluid.
- Exploratory laparotomy and resection of the affected liver lobe was performed on five of the six horses. Three of those treated surgically survived to discharge, indicating a favorable prognosis for horses with liver lobe torsion if diagnosed and treated early.
Conclusion of the Study
- It was concluded that diagnosis of liver lobe torsion in horses could be challenging due to the vagueness and variability of clinical symptoms and lab test results.
- The study suggests that the presence of markedly abnormal peritoneal fluid can serve as a significant sign of liver lobe torsion in horses.
- The prognosis for horses suffering from liver lobe torsion can be good, and early surgical intervention is expected to lead to improved outcomes.
Cite This Article
APA
Tennent-Brown BS, Mudge MC, Hardy J, Whelchel DD, Freeman DE, Fischer AT.
(2012).
Liver lobe torsion in six horses.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 241(5), 615-620.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.241.5.615 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA. brett.tennent@unimelb.edu.au
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Breeding
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Liver Diseases / diagnosis
- Liver Diseases / surgery
- Liver Diseases / veterinary
- Male
- Time Factors
- Torsion Abnormality / diagnosis
- Torsion Abnormality / veterinary
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Brüggenwirth IMA, van Breugel JMM, Assink J, Stapper CPM, Derksen WJM. Rare case of an acute liver torsion. Emerg Radiol 2023 Apr;30(2):239-242.
- Leonard KC, Zhao Q, Taber RH, Colopy SA. Paracostal versus ventral midline approach for caudate liver lobectomy in the rabbit. Vet Surg 2022 Aug;51(6):920-928.
- Satué K, Miguel-Pastor L, Chicharro D, Gardón JC. Hepatic Enzyme Profile in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 29;12(7).
- Ibrahim A, El-Ghareeb WR, Aljazzar A, Al-Hizab FA, Porter BF. Hepatic lobe torsion in 3 dromedary camels. J Vet Diagn Invest 2021 Jan;33(1):136-139.
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