Ovine white liver disease - an hepatic dysfunction associated with vitamin B12 deficiency

Authors: Sutherland RJ, Cordes DO, Carthew GC
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 27, Issue 11, pp 227-232, Nov 1979
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Cobalt/vitamin B12, Trace elements, Liver/hepatic disease, Pathology, Vitamins
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: Ovine white liver disease is an economically important hepatic dysfunction which occurs in the warmer parts of New Zealand. Acute, chronic and recovered phases can be recognised clinically, histologically and biochemically. The condition is associated with severe ill-thrift and, in the acute phase, with photosensitivity. Acute and chronic cases show elevations of serum enzymes (GOT, GGT) and copper and, sometimes, bilirubin. WLD appears to affect only cobalt-deficient sheep, and we consider that it is either a metabolic consequence of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, or a toxic hepatopathy against which adequate levels of dietary cobalt, or tissue vitamin B₁₂, are protective.

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