Jaundice (icterus), Biology

Assignment Help:

Jaundice (Icterus)

Jaundice is classified as pre-hepatic (hemolytic), hepatic and post-hepatic (obstructive) depending on origin of the problem, and is characterized by yellowish discolouration of visible mucous membrane, and tissues. The obstructive jaundice may occur due to extra-hepatic biliary obstruction, or due to intra-hepatic primary cholestasis. It is more intense in obstructive and hepatocellular damage than when it is caused by excess destruction of red blood cells (RBC). The yellow pigment, bilirubin deposits in the plasma and other tissues. Bilirubin concentration in plasma increases (hyperbilirubinemia), if the production exceeds the excretory capacity of the liver. Jaundice may occur with or without impairment of bile flow. In impairment of bile flow, bilirubin metabolite is absent in the faeces and jaundice is very severe.

Etiology: Haemolytic jaundice is caused by bacterial toxins, babesiosis and inorganic and organic poisons. Bacillary haemoglobinuria and leptospirosis are characterized by intravascular haemolysis. Acute haemolytic anaemia is also seen in calves following drinking of large quantity of cold water, or drinking immediately after exercise in animals. Diffuse diseases of liver cause degeneration of hepatic cells due to toxic conditions that are enlisted under hepatitis. Obstructions of bile ducts by biliary calculi or obstruction of common bile duct by nematodes or infestation with trematodes are common in animals. The mechanical stasis of biliary flow is caused by fibrosed tissue.

Diagnosis: Failure of liver to dispose off bile pigments in the circulation may result in retention jaundice. This may be due to excessive destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). Haemolytic or damaged parenchymal cells are not able to excrete normal quantity of bile pigments (toxic jaundice). In toxic jaundice there is retention of bile pigments but anaemia is absent. If signs of anaemia accompany jaundice, haemolytic origin should be suspected.

Presence of urinary bilirubin and absence of urobilirubin from the urine and faeces indicate obstructive jaundice of extrahepatic type. When bile appears in the urine, one can be definite that either liver disease is present or bile duct is obstructed.

Treatment: The line of treatment suggested for the animals suffering from hepatitis is of value for its treatment.


Related Discussions:- Jaundice (icterus)

Cobalt deficiency, Cobalt deficiency The deficiency of cobalt is more ...

Cobalt deficiency The deficiency of cobalt is more commonly seen in ruminants fed on diets deficient in this essential micronutrient. Cobalt is stored only in limited amounts

Floral apex, Floral Apex Each plant must pass through a minimal 'ripe...

Floral Apex Each plant must pass through a minimal 'ripeness to flower' stage. That is, even to perceive and respond to a specific photoperiodic regime, a plant must be ready

Which are the beings that form the kingdom animalia, Which are the beings t...

Which are the beings that form the kingdom Animalia? What are the two big groups into which this kingdom is divided? The kingdom Animalia is the animal kingdom. Commonly the ki

Define sample preparation for haemoglobin content in blood, Define Sample P...

Define Sample Preparation for Haemoglobin Content in Blood Wipe the index finger or middle finger with a cotton swab soaked in spirit. Prick the finger with a lancet op

How do contraceptive pills generally work, Q. How do contraceptive pills ge...

Q. How do contraceptive pills generally work? Contraceptive pills generally contain the hormones progesterone and estrogen. If taken daily from the 4th day after menses the abn

Locomotion in arthropoda, Locomotion in Arthropoda The Arthropods are...

Locomotion in Arthropoda The Arthropods are characterized by the existence of some special features which can be considered key to their success. These involve a rigid exoske

Parts of a typical flower with all its definations , parts of a typical fl...

parts of a typical flower? define its parts and internal parts completely? show complete colourful diagram?

Bitter taste, Q. Bitter Taste? Bitterness is an inherent property of a ...

Q. Bitter Taste? Bitterness is an inherent property of a substance. It is due to substances such as alkaloids present in food. For example, tannins present in tea, coffee, frui

Explain barrier techniques - protective clothing, Q. Explain Barrier techni...

Q. Explain Barrier techniques - Protective clothing? Protective outerwear is worn to reduce exposure to debris in spatter. Clinic jackets should have long sleeves, a high neck,

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd