7 Equine Liver Disease

In equine hepatic disease, what is a primary characteristic of the liver's response to injury?

Which of the following clinical signs is least likely to be associated with the initial presentation of hepatic disease in horses?

Hyperbilirubinemia in horses can arise from several factors. If a horse exhibits hyperbilirubinemia with a predominant increase in unconjugated bilirubin, which of the following is the least likely underlying cause?

Photosensitization secondary to liver failure occurs due to the accumulation of what photodynamic agent in the peripheral circulation?

The clinical signs of hepatic encephalopathy in horses can progress through several stages. Which of the following represents the typical progression of these signs?

When evaluating liver enzymes in equine blood work, which of the following statements accurately describes the utility and specificity of Sorbitol Dehydrogenase (SDH) and Aspartate Transaminase (AST)?

Which of the following statements accurately describes the use of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in assessing liver function in large animals?

Bile acids are used as indicators of liver function. What is the most accurate protocol regarding fasting for bile acid assessment in horses and how are the levels affected by cholestatic diseases?

In horses with liver failure, serum chemistry changes can indicate the severity and nature of the liver dysfunction. How are Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), blood ammonia (NH3), and coagulation factors typically affected in a horse with liver failure?

Ultrasonography is a valuable tool in assessing equine liver disease. Besides size, which of the following ultrasound findings is most indicative of underlying liver pathology?

When performing a liver biopsy on a horse, which coagulation parameters are most critical to assess prior to the procedure to minimize the risk of hemorrhage?

In treating bacterial cholangiohepatitis in horses, which of the following considerations is most important when selecting an antibiotic?

Concerning fluid therapy for horses with liver disease, which of the following statements is most accurate?

While anti-inflammatory drugs may be considered in treating equine liver disease, what is the primary concern associated with their use?

When managing the nutrition of a horse with liver disease, which of the following is the most appropriate strategy?

In managing hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in horses, which of the following options is the most appropriate pharmacological approach to reduce ammonia/toxin formation in the gastrointestinal tract?

Equine hyperlipemia is a condition that primarily affects certain types of equids. Which of the following is the most accurate description of the typical signalment of equids most commonly affected by hyperlipemia?

Identify the statement that correctly differentiates between hyperlipidemia and hyperlipemia in equids.

What is the primary underlying mechanism that leads to hyperlipemia in susceptible equids?

For equine hyperlipemia, how do VLDL concentrations in normal sized horse differ to that of minis, ponies, and donkeys?

In managing equine hyperlipemia, increasing caloric intake is a vital component. When parenteral nutrition is necessary, what constitutes a 'complete' approach?

Insulin is sometimes used in the treatment of equine hyperlipemia. What is the primary mechanism by which insulin aids in managing this condition?

Which of the following best describes why heparin may be used in the treatment of equine hyperlipemia?

A 10-year-old Arab gelding presents with anorexia, depression, and icterus 4 weeks after receiving tetanus antitoxin due to a wound. Based on this history, which liver disease is the most likely differential diagnosis?

What is the primary mechanism by which Theiler's disease leads to liver damage?

Which of the following statements regarding routes of transmission of Equine parvovirus-hepatitis associated with Theiler's disease is most accurate?

A 30-day-old Appaloosa colt is presented with a 48-hour history of depression and anorexia. Given the colt's age, which of the following liver diseases is the most likely differential diagnosis?

What diagnostic test is considered the gold standard for confirming Tyzzer's disease in foals?

In the context of Tyzzer's disease, what is the primary source of infection for foals, and what normal foal behavior contributes to disease acquisition?

Despite treatment efforts, what is the typical outcome for foals diagnosed with Tyzzer's disease?

In cases of bacterial cholangiohepatitis, what is the typical route of infection?

What diagnostic procedure is essential for diagnosing bacterial cholangiohepatitis in horses?

Which of the statements is correct regarding hepatotoxins?

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are an important cause of liver disease in horses; therefore, what pathological change on liver biopsy is most indicative of chronic pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity?

What is the primary management strategy for horses diagnosed with pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity?

Which of the following clinical signs is most commonly associated with cholelithiasis in horses?

What bloodwork finding is the most reliable indicator of cholelithiasis?

What is the gold standard diagnostic procedure for confirming cholelithiasis in horses, and what additional diagnostic consideration helps assess long-term prognosis?

Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment approach for cholelithiasis in horses?

Ursodiol is a medication sometimes used in humans for dissolving cholesterol gallstones. What is the significance of using this medication in horses?

When assessing liver function in horses, which of the following correctly explains why relying solely on Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) levels can be misleading?

In equine medicine, under what specific circumstances would you expect to see a significant increase in both direct and indirect bilirubin fractions?

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in horses can manifest with a range of neurological signs due to the liver's inability to remove toxins from the bloodstream. Considering the complex progression of HE, which of the following scenarios represents the most critical stage requiring immediate intervention to prevent irreversible damage?

When interpreting equine blood work, distinguishing between hepatocellular and biliary origin of liver enzyme elevations is crucial for accurate diagnosis. How is this commonly achieved?

What is the most crucial consideration when selecting antimicrobials to treat bacterial cholangiohepatitis in horses?

When managing fluid therapy in equine liver disease patients, what potentially life-threatening electrolyte abnormality warrants careful monitoring when administering intravenous fluids?

In horses with hepatic compromise, careful nutritional management is key. Why are small, frequent feedings with easily digestible carbohydrates preferred over traditional large meals?

In managing hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in horses, neomycin and lactulose are often used in conjunction. What is the primary reason for this combined approach?

How does hyperlipemia fundamentally differ from hyperlipidemia in equids, beyond just the concentration of triglycerides in the blood?

In managing equine hyperlipemia, why is it critical to address any underlying conditions contributing to negative energy balance?

In equine hyperlipemia, what is the physiological basis for administering insulin as part of the treatment plan?

Why is heparin sometimes considered in the therapeutic approach to equine hyperlipemia, despite its activity already being increased in this condition?

What is the most accurate description of Theiler's disease transmission routes, considering recent research on Equine parvovirus-hepatitis?

A 3-week-old foal presents with acute signs of liver failure. Given the foal's young age, which of the following diseases is the most likely differential diagnosis, and what diagnostic approach will provide the most rapid and definitive confirmation?

While antibiotic therapy is indicated for Tyzzer's disease, why is the prognosis still grave for affected foals?

What is the primary mechanism by which chronic ingestion of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) leads to liver damage?

Regarding the gross pathology and the underlying mechanism of liver damage caused by pyrrolizidine alkaloids, what specific cellular alteration should be expected?

Why is dietary management the cornerstone of treatment for horses affected by pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) toxicity?

Beyond clinical signs and routine blood work, what is the next step in diagnosing a horse with suspected cholelithiasis?

What additional diagnostic procedure should be performed to assess the long-term prognosis for a horse diagnosed with cholelithiasis?

Why is long-term medical management, including antibiotics and NSAIDs, the primary treatment approach for cholelithiasis in horses?

Given the liver's remarkable regenerative capacity, what scenario would most likely result in the progression of hepatic disease to hepatic failure in horses?

A horse presents with hyperbilirubinemia. If direct bilirubin constitutes more than 30% of the total bilirubin, which of the following is the most likely category of underlying cause?

Which of the following correctly matches a clinical sign of hepatic disease in horses to its underlying mechanism?

To maximize the diagnostic yield from a liver biopsy, what ancillary test should be considered in conjunction with histopathology?

Concerning hepatocellular enzymes, how does the diagnostic approach differ in horses when compared to small animals?

In a horse with suspected hepatic dysfunction and elevated liver enzymes, which of the following serum chemistry findings would provide the strongest evidence of liver failure rather than just liver disease?

When evaluating a horse for liver size and architecture via ultrasonography, what specific finding would most strongly suggest a need for further diagnostics, like liver biopsy?

Considering the pathophysiology and routes of transmission of Theiler's disease (serum-associated hepatitis), which management strategy is most likely to limit its spread within an equine practice that uses biological products?

Bearing in mind both the age susceptibility and the likely pathogenesis of Tyzzer's disease, what action has the greatest potential to reduce the risk of infection in a neonatal foal?

When presented with a horse displaying clinical signs of liver disease with unknown origin, and specifically in a region where pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-containing plants are prevalent, what are the most appropriate next steps?

In a horse diagnosed with pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) toxicity, what is the underlying reason why dietary management is the cornerstone of long-term care, despite irreversable liver damage?

In equine cholelithiasis, what aspect of the gallbladder's response to obstruction and inflammation poses the greatest risk to the patient, often necessitating a prolonged course of treatment?

What accurately describes the rationale behind the frequent use of antibiotics and NSAIDs in the long-term management of equine cholelithiasis?

Given the unique VLDL composition in certain equids, how does this contribute to their heightened susceptibility to hyperlipemia compared to normal-sized horses?

When managing a hyperlipemic equine, what is the most critical reason to consider terminating the pregnancy?