Ultrasonography as a diagnostic and prognostic approach in cattle and buffaloes with fatty infiltration of the liver

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine whether ultrasonographic evaluation of the hepatic parenchyma could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic approach in cows and buffaloes with hepatic lipidosis. For this purpose, cows (n=16) and buffaloes (n=10) with fatty infiltration of the liver were examined by ultrasonography. Treated cows and buffaloes were monitored for hepatic changes ultrasonographically, biochemically and histologically. Clinical findings were non-specific and included anorexia, recumbency, muzzle necrosis, and icteric mucosal membranes. Laboratory data revealed neutrophilia, hyper γ-globulinemia, elevated activities of aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, and high concentrations of insulin, total bilirubin, non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxyl butyric acid. Laboratory results 7, and 21 days after treatment showed progressive improvement in the chemistry profile. On admission, ultrasonographic examination of the hepatic parenchyma in cows and buffaloes revealed either increased or decreased hepatic echogenicity; histologic examination revealed marked fatty infiltration of the hepatocytes. One week after treatment, the hepatic parenchyma was visualized easily, liver boundaries were clearly imaged, and histologic examination of hepatic specimen showed a moderate degree of fatty infiltration. Three weeks after treatment, the hepatic parenchyma was almost similar to normal, the hepatic and portal blood vessels could be easily imaged, and the histologic picture had greatly improved where the liver resembled the normal organ. Six cows and seven buffaloes made a full recovery while the remaining ten cows and three buffaloes were slaughtered and thoroughly examined postmortem. Ultrasonography showed a good correlation with histologic and laboratory findings.

Ultrasonography of the liver in healthy and diseased camels (<i>Camelus dromedaries</i>)

“…The condition may be focal or diffuse [35]. In severe cases, the echoes weaken as the distance from the abdominal wall increases because the fat-containing hepatocytes enhance acoustic impedance [17]. Consequently, the region near the abdominal wall is hyperechoic, whereas areas that are more distant are hypoechoic or cannot be imaged at all (Fig.…”

“…In bovines, ultrasonography has been described as a useful tool for the diagnosis of many hepatic disorders [1,4,5,7,16,17]. During the last 10 years, ultrasonography has been used for scanning of the lungs and pleura [19], echocardiography of the normal camel heart [22], ultrasonography of the gastrointestinal viscera [23] and hepatic and renal imaging [24].…”

Hepatic lipidosis in transition buffaloes in relation to back fat thickness, hemato-biochemical and mineral profile

“…Triglyceride recorded decrease in moderate to severe HL cases whereas, arginase recorded increase in mild to severe HL cases. Hepatic lipidosis in the present study was associated with elevated concentrations of NEFA and BHBA, both of which can be cytotoxic at high concentrations and can decrease the physiological functions of organs leading to adverse metabolic consequences (Tharwat, 2012). An elevated concentration of NEFA increases lipogenesis and ketogenesis in hepatocytes (Cadorniga et al, 1997) and high concentrations of BHBA decreases rate of gluconeogenesis.…”

“…At many instances only large vessels were visible on ultrasonograms whereas, small vessels were poorly imaged or not seen at all. This may be due to the fact that the small vessels are compressed by infiltrated hepatic tissue (Mohamed et al, 2004;Braun, 2009 andTharwat, 2012). Acoustic impedance due to fat containing hepatocytes leads to weakness of the echoes as the distance from the abdominal wall is increased, ultimately, leading to hyperechoic near field.…”

Effects of propylene glycol on the metabolic status and milk production of dairy buffaloes

“…and milk production in dairy buffaloes was available, although propylene glycol was used as a therapeutic strategy in buffaloes with fatty liver (36).…”