AAEP Annual Convention Salt Lake City 2014
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Frequency of Ultrasonographic Visualization of Liver in Published Sites for Blind Biopsy in Healthy Horses

Author(s):

S.C. Sammons, T.E. Norman, M.K...

In: AAEP Annual Convention - Salt Lake City, 2014 by American Association of Equine Practitioners
Updated:
DEC 10, 2014
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The practice of blind liver biopsy in the published recommended locations in horses carries significant potential risks. Ultrasound-assisted liver biopsy is recommended to reduce the risk of serious complications. Authors’ address: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843; e-mail: SSammons@cvm.tamu.edu.

1. Introduction

Percutaneous liver biopsy is regarded as the best antemortem test for equine hepatopathy. Blind liver biopsies are still performed by practitioners, despite potential associated risks such as pneumothorax or hemorrhage. Direct or indirect ultrasound guidance allows for identification of the most appropriate site for liver biopsy. Our goal was to identify the frequency of sonographic identification of adequate liver tissue for biopsy in the published blind liver biopsy locations.

2. Materials and Methods

Serum liver parameters were evaluated in 36 middle-aged Quarter Horses to ensure that only horses with normal liver function were included in the study. The published blind liver biopsy region, just below a line drawn between the dorsal aspect of the tuber coxae and the point of the elbow in the right 11th to 14th intercostal spaces, was examined sonographically. 

3. Results and Discussion

Only 39% of horses had liver visualized in the published blind liver biopsy region. None of the 36 horses had liver of adequate thickness for biopsy in the published region. When liver was not visible, lung was visualized instead in 55% of horses, bowel in 36% of horses, and both bowel and lung in 9% of horses. In many horses, liver tissue may be inadequate for biopsy in the published blind biopsy locations.

Acknowledgments

Supported by a grant from the Department of Veterinary Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.

Conflict of Interest

The Authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Affiliation of the authors at the time of publication

Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843

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