SERUM HEPATITIS IN 2 BROOD MARES

Serum hepatitis is the most common cause of acute hepatic failure in h orses, and has been associated with the administration of biologics of equine origin, especially tetanus antitoxin. Lactating mares appear t o be at a higher risk for development of serum hepatitis than are othe r horses; however, this may only reflect the common practice of admini stering tetanus antitoxin to mares at the time of parturition. Althoug h serum hepatitis usually is associated with severe hepatic failure an d death, less severe or atypical manifestations of the disease may be possible.