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Icterus (Jaundice) in Veterinary Patients
Icterus, commonly known as jaundice, is a clinical sign characterized by the yellow discoloration of skin, mucous membranes, and sclera due to hyperbilirubinemia. It indicates an underlying systemic disorder involving hepatic, biliary, or hematopoietic systems.
Clinical summary
- Clinical signs
- Icteric discoloration of sclera/pinnae/gums, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bilirubinuria.
- Possible causes
- Pre-hepatic (hemolysis), hepatic (hepatocellular damage), and post-hepatic (extrahepatic biliary obstruction).
- Diagnostic approach
- Serum biochemistry (elevated bilirubin, ALP, ALT, GGT), CBC (anemia markers), abdominal ultrasonography, fine-needle aspiration or biopsy for histopathology, and bile acid stimulation tests.
- Management
- Address the underlying cause. Supportive care includes fluid therapy, nutritional support, antioxidants (S-adenosylmethionine), and surgical intervention for biliary obstructions if indicated.
References
- [1]Nelson, R.W. and Couto, C.G.. Small Animal Internal Medicine (2019)
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