Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Choledocholithotripsy in a mare.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1985
- Authors:
- Tulleners, E P et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 12-year-old mare was having serious health issues due to a blockage caused by gallstones in her bile duct. She was losing weight, had occasional fevers, was eating less than usual, had yellowing of her skin and eyes (jaundice), and was experiencing abdominal pain. Tests showed that her liver was not functioning properly, and biopsies indicated damage and inflammation in her liver. After surgery to break up the gallstones, she showed immediate improvement, and her liver function tests gradually returned to normal. Now, 28 months later, she has regained her normal weight and is doing well, even serving as a broodmare.
Abstract
Obstructive choledocholithiasis in a 12-year-old mare was corrected surgically by choledocholithotripsy. The mare had a history of chronic weight loss, intermittent fever, partial anorexia, jaundice, recurrent abdominal pain, and an abdominal mass palpable per rectum. Values for alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and bromsulpthalein half-life were increased and bilirubinuria was evident before surgery. Two liver biopsies revealed periportal and portal fibrosis, bile duct proliferation, cholestasis, and variable amounts of hepatocellular necrosis, with infiltration by polymorphonuclear cells. Immediate clinical improvement was seen after surgery, and results of selected liver function tests gradually returned to normal. Since surgery, the mare has returned to her normal weight, has remained clinically normal for liver disease for 28 months, and has been useful as a broodmare.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4019295/