Very Common
Less Common
Related Observations
Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.
Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY PERFORM
Liver Enzymes
Cost: Under $100
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
Enzymes are special molecules (mostly proteins) within cells that facilitate or speed up certain biologic processes. There are particular enzymes within liver cells that are unique to these cells.
Damage to liver cells by any disease process breaks the cells, and spills these recognizable enzymes into the bloodstream, where they are measured. Normal levels of these enzymes in the blood is very low.
Bile is produced in the liver and carried through bile ducts to the small intestine. It plays an important role in digestion, especially of fat.
Liver enzyme levels are measured by specific laboratory tests. They can indicate liver damage or obstruction of bile formation and movement to the intestine.
Damage to liver cells by any disease process breaks the cells, and spills these recognizable enzymes into the bloodstream, where they are measured. Normal levels of these enzymes in the blood is very low.
Bile is produced in the liver and carried through bile ducts to the small intestine. It plays an important role in digestion, especially of fat.
Liver enzyme levels are measured by specific laboratory tests. They can indicate liver damage or obstruction of bile formation and movement to the intestine.
Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic
Related Diagnostics
Other diagnostic tests that might be used in combination or with this one or instead of this one.
Very Common
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
BENEFITS
A simple, commonly used and quick way of assessing liver damage or bile blockage (cholestasis). LIMITATIONS
Certain liver enzymes are also found in other cells, muscle for instance. Elevations in these enzymes thus do not differentiate liver injury from muscle injury.
Elevations of some liver enzymes means there has been destruction of liver cells, but provides no information about the underlying cause of the destruction.