LIVER

HEPATITIS, GENERAL

Background: An inflammation of the liver that may or may not include an infectious process as well.
Symptoms: Jaundice, pain, digestive upset, fever, PU/PD, incidental findings of elevated liver enzymes, Lyme disease.
Diagnostics: Blood tests, a thorough history and physical examination. Possible hair analysis for toxins, though many companies use unreliable hair data to sell products.
Special Notes: Horses exposed to toxins such as heavy metals or noxious plants may become ill. One significant source of hepatic toxins is treated wood, common in many horse facilities. A diet of fresh, healthy food and removal of any toxins in the environment is critical to these horses.
Principles for Supplementation: Support the hepatic processes of detoxification, while not overstimulating any one part of its pathways.

EQUINE PRODUCTS—GENERAL HEPATITIS