Diagnosis of avian tuberculosis in a horse by use of liver biopsy.
A 15-month-old Appaloosa colt had pyrexia, weight loss, diarrhea, and dependent edema. Abnormal laboratory findings included anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperglobulinemia. Activities of liver-specific enzymes in this colt were high. Analysis of a liver biopsy specimen resulted in a presumptive diagnosis of tuberculosis. We recommend that liver biopsy be used as a diagnostic procedure if the differential diagnosis in a horse includes avian tuberculosis or granulomatous enteritis, especially if serum activities of liver-specific enzymes are high.
Lofstedt
J
J
Department of Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536.
Jakowski
R M
RM
D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000662:veterinary; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D004760:Enterocolitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary; D006099:Granuloma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary; D006520:Hepatitis, Animal / Q000175:diagnosis; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006736:Horses; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009162:Mycobacterium avium / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014386:Tuberculosis, Hepatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*