Kleingrass-associated hepatotoxicosis in horses.
Chronic hepatic disease was diagnosed in 6 horses with history of anorexia and weight loss. These horses consistently had abnormally high serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activities, total and direct bilirubin and blood ammonia values, and sulfobromophthalein clearance times, whereas serum iditol dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase activities were variable. In the 6 horses, histologic examination of the liver revealed lesions of chronic hepatitis with varying degrees of fibrosis. All 6 horses had ingested kleingrass (Panicum coloratum) for variable periods. Three healthy horses fed kleingrass hay for 90 days developed hepatic lesions and increases in serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activities similar to those in the 6 horses with chronic hepatitis. Characteristic hepatic lesions in both groups of horses included bridging hepatic fibrosis, cholangitis, and hepatocellular regeneration.
Cornick
J L
JL
Department of Large Animal Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77840.
Carter
G K
GK
Bridges
C H
CH
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002523:Edible Grain / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006736:Horses; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D008897:Panicum / Q000009:adverse effects*