Jaundice in Horses

Jaundice or icterus refers to the yellowish pigmentation of skin and the whites of the eyes that occurs when bile builds up in the blood, according to Biology-Online.org. Rather than being a disease itself, jaundice represents a symptom of possible disease in horses, as well as humans.

  1. Healthy Horses

    • Hay and grass contain carotene, Vitamin A pigments, that can cause jaundice that is unrelated to disease. Normal foraging can cause yellowing in the sclera, whites of the eyes in healthy horses, according to Dr. Susan Eades in her report, "Cases of Equine Hepatic Disease," on the dvm360.com website.

    Liver Disease

    • According to Eades, liver diseases, blockage of the bile ducts, anorexia or fasting can all result in higher bilirubin levels that can cause jaundice. A lab test can measure levels of bilirubin, a pigment in bile and blood. Other testing may involve liver enzyme values.

    Drugs

    • Drugs such as heparin and steroids can interfere with the normal metabolism of liver and bilirubin, raise blood levels and also cause jaundice in the absence of liver disease, according to Dr. Michelle Henry Barton in her report, "Liver Disease in the Horse: Clinical Signs and Diagnostic Aids," on the dvm360.com website.