ADVICE FROM THE VET
LIVER DISEASE IN THEHORSE
By Naomi de Pennington MA VetMB CertEM(IntMed) MRCVS
as well and the breakdownand excretion of manypotentially toxic
substances.As aresult, damage to the liver canhave wide-ranging consequences forthe horse. The large functional reserve of the liver and its abilitytoregeneratemeanthat oftendamage is severe before signs of dysfunction areseen, but also that recovery from some typesofliver disease maybepossible if recognised early. Presenting signs of liver disease areoften
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vague,and henceeasily overlooked. Theymay include reduced appetite, weight loss, lethargy, mild signs of colic and unusual or excessive sunburn (photosensitisation). In moreadvanced cases, problems with breathing and neurological signs canoccur due to abuild-up of toxins in the circulation affecting the nervous system. The diagnosis of liver disease is usually made
16 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER2021
he liver is an organ responsible formanyessential functions. It is required forthe metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats
by means of blood tests. Damaged liver cells release enzymesintothe bloodstreamwhich provide an indication that therehas been an insult to the liver.Further blood tests, in particular measuring bile acids which areproduced by the liver,can giveanindication of howwell the liver is functioning. Whilstthese blood testscan giveus an indication of the presenceand severityofliver damage,theycannot tell us the cause of the liver disease.Ultrasonographyofthe liver is used to further assess the liver,and evaluateits sizeand appearance, looking forany specificabnormalities. Abiopsyofliver tissue,taken under ultrasound guidance, canthen be performed in order to assess the natureand degree ofliver damage at acellular level, giveanindication of the amount of scarring (fibrosis)and hencepotential forrecovery,and in some casesanideaofthe cause of liver disease. Thereare manypotential causesofliver disease, including the ingestion of toxins from poisonous plantsormoulds, drug toxicity,infections, bile stones, tumoursand the deposition of fat. The commonest cause of liver disease in
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