Prognosis of Hepatic Amyloidosis Status and Insufficiency in Snake Antivenom Producing Horses

Abstract

Hyperimmunization of horses with specific antigens to harvest antisera is associated with high incidence of liver amyloidosis. The histopathologic examination is the gold standard method for diagnosis of the hepatic amyloidosis. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the clinical manifestations and serum values of appropriate chemical constituents due to liver injury, provide the prognostic criteria for liver amyloidosis and insufficiency. it was endeavored to determine the usage duration and survival in the horses, applied for polyvalent snake antivenom products. Thirty-seven Iranian, mixed breed male horses used for snake antivenom production were recruited in this study. All of the clinical characteristics of liver disease were assessed and the appropriate serum biochemical parameters were screened between two hyperimmunization stages. The results revealed that weakness, progressive weight-loss and chronic diarrhea were the warning signs for end of the period of using a horse in snake antivenom production. However, moderate to severe colic, often, was the sign of imminent death due to acute hepatic swelling and rupture. However, Serum biochemical findings were not suitable and useful for the assessment of outcome compared with the clinical manifestations. In this study, the authors have attempted to introduce the clinical and serum biochemical findings that are useful for prediction of the liver amyloidosis and insufficiency and, to determine the usage duration and survival in these horses. Consequently, a preliminary scoring guideline for assessing the issue was suggested.