Serology is near normal in horses affected by chronic hepatitis. Diagnosis can only be made through liver biopsy showing necrosis and fibrosis of the liver tissue. Treatment of chronic hepatitis is mainly supportive. It includes IV fluids, low protein diet, vitamin supplementation and reduced UV light exposure.
Prognosis is guarded to poor and most cases are progressive regardless of treatment.
Hyperlipemia Syndrome
Hyperlipemia syndrome is sometimes referred to as
disease.
It is caused by poor quality or insufficient quantities of feed at a time of
energy
expenditure.
Insufficient calorie intake triggers the liberation of fatty acids from the tissue. Fatty acids are then transported to the liver for triglyceride synthesis and to be used as energy. When the energy requirement ends, the uncontrolled and excessive synthesis of triglycerides in the liver causes the unused triglycerides to be deposited in the liver as fat. , donkeys and miniature horses are predisposed to hyperlipemia syndrome, as are obese or insulin resistant animals and individuals under stress from systemic disease or pregnancy. Sudden changes in feed may exacerbate this condition. It is reported that hyperlipemia syndrome is seen more in winter and spring as feed quality usually drops in winter and trimester pregnancy occurs in spring. The clinical presentation of hyperlipemia syndrome includes lethargy, weakness, anorexia, rapid weight loss, hypodipsia, diarrhea, , ventral edema, colic and trembling. Fatty masses may be felt in the liver through rectal palpation. Diagnosis can be made through the clinical signs and symptoms, serology showing yellow-white discolouration of the serum, hypertriglyceridemia, lipemia and hypoglycemia and through liver biopsy containing fatty masses. Treatment includes the correction of nutritional deficiencies, IV fluids and insulin and heparin administration.
Prognosis is guarded and reoccurrence is not uncommon.
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