Hepatosis dietetica (HD) is a relatively rare disease presentation related to vitamin E and/or selenium deficiency in animals, particularly pigs. It's now less common due to increased levels of selenium supplementation in livestock feed.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Causes and Characteristics
- Deficiency: HD primarily arises from a lack of vitamin E and/or selenium in the animal's diet. These nutrients act as antioxidants, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Liver Damage: The deficiency leads to severe liver damage (necrosis), which is the hallmark of the disease. The liver becomes swollen, congested, and may have a mottled appearance.
- Sudden Death: Clinically, HD often manifests as sudden death, with few or no preceding observable symptoms. This makes early detection challenging.
- Selenium Supplementation: The incidence of HD has decreased significantly since legal limits for selenium supplementation in livestock feed were raised.
Affected Animals
- Pigs: While HD can occur in other animals, it is most commonly associated with pigs.
- Young Animals: Young, rapidly growing animals are more susceptible to HD because they have higher vitamin E and selenium requirements.
Prevention
- Adequate Nutrition: Ensuring that animals receive adequate levels of vitamin E and selenium in their diet is crucial for preventing HD. This is often achieved through supplementation of feed.
- Balanced Diet: A balanced diet that meets the animal's nutritional needs is essential for overall health and disease prevention.
In summary, hepatosis dietetica is a vitamin E and/or selenium deficiency disease, primarily affecting pigs, leading to severe liver damage and often resulting in sudden death. Adequate dietary supplementation is the key to prevention.
