Serum bile acids in companion animal medicine.
Quantification of total serum bile acids is used as a method for appraising liver function and perfusion in contemporary small animal practice. This article provides a historical perspective and a comprehensive review of bile acid physiology, laboratory methodologies for bile acid quantification, and normal values published for total serum bile acids measured using the spectrophotometric enzymatic method and for serum bile acids measured using validated radioimmunoassay procedures. The variables influencing the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids and, consequently, the fasting and postprandial serum bile acid concentrations are discussed with the intent of clarifying the application of test results to clinical patients. A brief discussion of the therapeutic use of dehydrocholate and ursodeoxycholic acid in clinical patients is provided.
Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York.
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D000818:Animals; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000097:blood; D002415:Cats; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D004285:Dogs; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000662:veterinary; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay / Q000662:veterinary
D001647:Bile Acids and Salts