[Primary liver disease in the horse].

The research paper focuses on liver diseases in horses, discussing their variable and non-specific symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and common treatment methods.

Variable Symptoms of Liver Disease in Horses

• The study explains that the signs of liver disease in horses are slightly tricky to detect due to their variability and non-specific nature. These signs become more evident when the disease reaches its advanced stage, resulting in symptoms such as hepatic encephalopathy.

Diagnosis of Liver Disease in Horses

• Despite the obscure symptoms, certain tests can suggest the presence of liver disease; these include measuring plasma or serum concentrations of total bile acids and gamma glutamyl transferase (gamma GT).
• To establish a specific diagnosis, the paper recommends ultrasound examination of the horse’s liver and histological examination of a liver biopsy specimen.

Common Liver Diseases in Horses

• The research identifies several frequently observed liver diseases in horses such as acute hepatic necrosis, chronic hepatitis caused by pyrrolizidine alkaloids, cholelithiasis, and haemochromatosis.

Treatment of Liver Diseases in Horses

• Immediate treatment, generally comprising antibiotics and polyionic fluids along with nutritional support, is crucial to keep the horse alive until enough liver regeneration happens for adequate function.
• The paper cautions against the use of corticosteroids except for patients suffering from chronic active hepatitis.
• In cases of conditions like portosystemic shunts or cholelithiasis, surgical intervention might be necessary.

Prevalence of Liver Diseases in Horses

• The study suggests that liver diseases in horses may be more common than currently estimated. This assertion is due to a lack of accurate information regarding their prevalence or incidence.