Subclinical Hepatopathies in Herds of Horses in Ireland

Abstract

Liver disease in horses is often associated with a guarded to poor prognosis. The liver is extremely regenerative and can tolerate up to 70% depletion without showing any clinical signs. This, while beneficial, can present obstacles to diagnosis and can lead to the recognition of hepatopathy being at an extremely late progression, negatively impacting prognosis. The aim of this study was to outline and evaluate the probable causes of subclinical liver disease in herds of horses in Ireland, and the methods for their diagnosis.