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This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Colic, Diarrhea, GI Tract » Mouth, Esophagus, and Liver » Icterus & Jaundice in Horses »
  Discussion on New Article on Jaundice in Horses
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Posted on Friday, Oct 29, 2004 - 2:10 pm:

Icterus and jaundice are synonymous terms for the yellowing of the whites of the eyes (sclera), gums (mucous membranes) and nonpigmented skin caused by a build up of bilirubin in the blood and tissues.

Bilirubin is a breakdown product of the old fragile red blood cells. This waste product circulates to the liver where it is further processed (conjugated) and mostly excreted out the bile ducts into the intestines. This conjugated bilirubin is converted by anaerobic bacteria to urobilinogen and most makes its way out the intestine in the feces. In the cases of both the conjugated bilirubin and urobilinogen, small amounts are picked up by the blood supply and excreted out the kidneys.

This article examines the causes of icterus in horses, ways to differentiate them, and their significance. Links are then provided to specific diseases that discuss the specific diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of those diseases.

To access the article click on » Icterus & Jaundice in Horses » above.
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