Equine hepatic disease: the effect of patient- and case-specific variables on risk and prognosis

Investigation of Serum Markers of Hepatic Fibrosis in Equids

Liver disease is common in equine practice, and treatment and prognosis are dependent on histopathologic examination of biopsies. Liver biopsy is invasive and expensive which restricts its use. Serum markers are used to predict hepatic fibrosis in humans. This study aimed to investigate the enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) test, based on serum Hyaluronic Acid (HA), procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) to detect hepatic fibrosis in equids. Four groups were included; two with increased serum concentrations of liver-derived enzymes and a liver biopsy (group H; 10 horses and ponies and group D; 10 donkeys) and two without any evidence of liver disease (group HC; 10 horses and ponies and group DC; 10 donkeys). All samples were analyzed for concentrations of HA, PIINP, and TIMP-1. Given the failure to detect TIMP-1 in most subjects, a novel eELF (equid ELF) score was calculated, based on HA and PIIINP. HA and PIIINP concentrations and the eELF score, were compared with determined hepatic fibrosis. HA, PIIINP, and eELF were significantly greater in horses and ponies with a histopathologic fibrosis score ≥ 2 compared with those < 2. A similar observation was found with donkeys for HA and eELF. A significant correlation was found between fibrosis score and HA, PIIINP, and eELF for horses and ponies, and between fibrosis score and HA and eELF in donkeys. Serum HA and the eELF score might be useful serum markers to predict and monitor hepatic fibrosis in horses, ponies, and donkeys.

Nutritional Considerations when Dealing with an Underweight Adult or Senior Horse

Weight loss occurs when the supply of energy is insufficient to meet the energy needs of an individual. The energy supply may be reduced by inadequate provision of feed, inadequate consumption, reduced digestion and absorption, or disruption in metabolic processing. Increased energy expenditure occurs with exercise and during cold temperatures, pregnancy, and lactation. Underlying clinical disease, particularly chronic inflammation, neoplasia, and protein-losing conditions, can cause weight loss or exacerbate existing weight loss. A methodical approach to weight-loss investigation and treatment is necessary, because of the often multifactorial nature of this condition.