Biochemical and hematological indexes of liver disfunction in horses
In the present review, the authors, based on the multiple functions performed by the liver, analyze the multiple biochemical and hematological changes as an expression of altered liver function in the horse.
The liver performs important metabolic functions related to the synthesis, degradation, and excretion of various substances. Modification of these functions can be evaluated and diagnosed by determining serum concentrations of several serum analytes, including enzymes and other endogenous substances.
Hepatocellular enzymes, such as sorbitol dehydrogenase-SDH and glutamate dehydrogenase-GLDH, are released following hepatocellular necrosis. Hepatobiliary enzymes, such as γ-glutamyl transferase-GGT, increase in response to necrosis, cholestasis, and other alterations in bile conducts.
Serum concentrations of mainly endogenous and exogenous substances that the liver should synthesize or eliminate, such as proteins (albumin and globulins), bile acids, urea, glucose, total and direct bilirubin, and coagulation factors, and fibrinogen should be included in the liver function test profile.
The interpretation of laboratory tests of liver function will allow the diagnosis of functional loss of the organ. Some of the analytes considered provide information on the prognosis of liver disease.
Biochemical and hematological analyses allow the diagnosis of different pathologies related to liver function in horses. The alteration of different biochemical analytes, like enzymes related to liver function, and the increase or decrease of different hematological parameters are not always specific to each type of disease. This is mainly because the excesses or defects of different parameters evaluated do not always occur in the same proportions.
Katiuska Satué, et al. “Biochemical and hematological indexes of liver disfunction in horses.” J Equine Vet Sci. 2023 Mar 21; 104294. doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104294.
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