Spotting the signs of liver damage in horses

The signs of liver damage can often be subtle, but they must never be overlooked.

Subtle signs

• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Weight loss
• Fluid accumulation under the belly and in the hindlimbs
• Photosensitisation (excessive sunburn on white areas arising from only mild exposure to the sun)
• Failure of blood to clot effectively (nose bleeds and slowed wound healing due to poor blood clotting)
• Poor or reduced performance or obvious lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Poor coat quality

Severe signs

• Severe debility (weakness)
• Repeated yawning and pressing of the head against surfaces
• Swelling of the head and limbs, and fluid accumulation
  around the belly
• Central nervous system shutdown, including depression, mania, seizures, bizarre behaviour, blindness, coma and death

To read the full veterinary feature on liver disease see the current issue of H&H (3 May 2012)

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