Biochemical and Hematological Indexes of Liver Dysfunction in Horses.
Authors: Satué Katiuska, Fazio Esterina, Medica Pietro, Miguel Laura, Gardón Juan Carlos
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Biochemical and Hematological Markers of Equine Liver Dysfunction The equine liver's multifaceted roles in metabolism, synthesis, and excretion mean that dysfunction manifests across diverse biochemical and haematological parameters, making interpretation of laboratory findings challenging for practitioners managing hepatic disease. This 2023 review systematically evaluates the diagnostic utility of common serum markers, distinguishing between hepatocellular enzymes (sorbitol dehydrogenase and glutamate dehydrogenase) that indicate direct tissue damage, and hepatobiliary enzymes such as γ-glutamyl transferase that rise with necrosis, cholestasis, or bile duct obstruction. Beyond enzyme patterns, the authors emphasise the importance of measuring synthetic and eliminative function through serum albumin and globulin ratios, bile acids, urea, glucose, bilirubin fractions, and coagulation factors—markers that collectively reflect the liver's actual functional capacity rather than mere tissue injury. Understanding this diagnostic framework enables vets to move beyond simple enzyme elevation toward meaningful prognostic assessment, whilst farriers, physiotherapists, and nutritionists can recognise clinical referral indicators and tailor management accordingly. For equine professionals involved in case management, this structured approach to interpreting hepatic panels provides the biological context necessary to distinguish between subclinical compromise, active disease, and recovery trajectories in practice.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Include both hepatocellular enzymes (SDH, GLDH) and hepatobiliary enzymes (GGT) in diagnostic panels to differentiate types of liver injury in clinical cases
- •Evaluate synthetic function through serum proteins, bile acids, bilirubin, and coagulation factors to assess severity and prognosis of liver disease
- •Use combined biochemical and hematological test profiles rather than single analytes for accurate diagnosis of equine hepatic dysfunction
Key Findings
- •Hepatocellular enzymes SDH and GLDH are released following hepatocellular necrosis and serve as diagnostic markers
- •Hepatobiliary enzyme GGT increases in response to necrosis, cholestasis, and bile duct alterations in horses
- •Serum concentrations of proteins, bile acids, bilirubin, urea, glucose, and coagulation factors provide comprehensive assessment of liver function loss
- •Laboratory interpretation of biochemical and hematological profiles enables accurate diagnosis and prognostic assessment of equine hepatic disease