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  Discussion on Lethargic mare ... Liver problem
Author Message
New Member:
Darryl

Posted on Sunday, Apr 9, 2006 - 7:58 am:

We have a 13 yo Arabian mare, endurance bred, and usually unstopable. Approximately 6 mths ago she pulled up with a cramp in a hind leg , we massaged this out and continued home with no further problem . This however seems to be the beginning of her problem . Over the next few weeks during rides her back would DrOp [like she tripped ] so we ceased riding her . From then she became very lethargic , lost condition and seems very stiff and weak in the back legs when she does trot or canter in the paddock with the other horses . She still has an appetite though reduced but even biting a carrot is hard work.
here are the latest blood results [I am waiting on copies of 2 earlier tests ]
BILIRUBIN,TOTAL 53 umo1/L (17-90)
ALP 300 H 1U/L (85-260)
AST 701 H 1U/L (210-420)
CHOLESTEROL 2.6 mmo1/L (1.6-3.3)
GAMMA GT 21 1U/L (<41)
GLDH 20 H 1U/L (<13)
sample appearance Normal
Persistant mild cholangioheatophy , notaetiologically defined by this data (23.3.06)

I forgot to mention earlier ,the first drastic change , late January early Febuary was very noticable jaundice , strong apricot colour on gums and nose . Since we have cut out protine this has gone.
Any advise would be much appreciated as our local experts,whom I hold in high regard, are stumped by this illness
Thanks for any help and for a teriffic web site
Darryl Cooper
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Apr 9, 2006 - 10:26 am:

The blood work does not support the liver as being the cause as these mild changes can be seen incidentally. Also the jaundice has little to do with protein metabolism but with RBC metabolism and the liver. For more on all this see, Equine Diseases » Colic and GI Diseases » Mouth, Esophagus, and Liver.

Do you also have a CBC and a complete serum panel to go along with the above blood work, besides a thorough exam it would be your next step. What abnormalities have been identified on a thorough exam and could you describe the diet in detail also?
DrO
New Member:
Darryl

Posted on Monday, Apr 17, 2006 - 7:13 am:

Thanks for your prompt reply
We did have complete blood tests done originally and are waiting,still , for the lab to forward the results. I hope that now the easter holidays are over we should have them this week.
Diet... She is kept in a paddock about 1acre with 2 other horses there is plenty of pick though we suppliment with feed ie _
4 ltr oaten or wheaten chaff
2 ltr lucern chaff
1 ltr steam flaked barley
tbl sp dolomite
tbl sp sulpher
1/2 tbl sp garlic powder
tbl sp seaweed meal
3 times a week 50ml epson salts
they are wormed regularly , 6 weekly. with Ivomectin product

I read the articles on colic and GI diseases but the symtoms closest resembling our mare were under Tying Up
I will post the blood information as soon as I get it
Thanks again for your help
Darryl
New Member:
Darryl

Posted on Tuesday, Apr 25, 2006 - 8:18 am:

Finally the test results. I hope the attachment works
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