Defination
It is a condition characterized by a yellowing of the mucous membranes of the animal as well as other tissues and the skin. This usually occurs when there is impairment in the body’s ability to process and/or excrete bilirubin from the body.
Bilirubin is a compound in the body produced as a by-product for the breakdown of red blood cells(RBCs). In a normal circumstance, it is processed (also called conjugation) by the liver and the excreted in bile. However in circumstances where the processing and excrete in bile is impaired with, the bilirubin ends up in the blood stream and will become deposited in the mucous membranes and the skin giving them a characteristic yellow color seen in suspected cases Jaundice
Depending on the site of inciting cause, Jaundice can be categorized as; pre-hepatic, hepatic or post-hepatic jaundice.
Pre-hepatic jaundice; occurs when there is over production of bilirubin to levels exceeding the body’s ability to excrete it, like in cases of hemolytic crisis.
Hepatic Jaundice; occurs when the livers ability to conjugate and excrete bilirubin is impaired with. Like when it happens in cases of liver disease such as liver cirrhosis, fibrosis, damage due to toxin etc. in this category, the liver is damaged/ destroyed and it cannot process and excrete bilirubin.
Post-hepatic Jaundice;- happens when the liver’s ability to excrete bilirubin is impaired with(the liver parenchyma is fine and it can process and conjugate bilirubin, but the ability to excrete it from the body is impaired) like in cases of bile duct disease and obstruction of gall bladder disease or incases of rapture of the biliary tree.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Jaundice is usually straight forward and it can be diagnosed at physical examination.
Blood samples can be drawn and a liver function test (LFT) can be performed to evaluate the integrity of the liver tissue. Or CBC can also be done to evaluate the number of RBC, WBC, platelets incase Hemolysis is suspected
Treatment
This should be directed towards treating the underlying disease since Jaundice is basically a clinic sigh and not a disease per say
Contact us on +256-706621564 or visit a nearby veterinary clinic in case your animal presents with these signs
so informative, thank so much doctor