Liver Problems in Horses – Causes, Symptoms, and Proper Feeding

What Are Liver Problems in Horses?

The liver is one of the largest organs in a horse’s body and performs more than 100 different functions. These include:

• Metabolic regulation: processing proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
• Storage of energy:(glycogen), vitamins, and trace elements
• Detoxification: breaking down toxins, medications, and metabolic waste products
• Production of important proteins: such as albumin and clotting factors

Liver problems in horses occur when these functions are impaired. A distinction is made between:

• Acute liver diseases – usually caused by poisoning, infections, or sudden overload
• Chronic liver problems – develop slowly and often go unnoticed, due to long-term stresses such as feeding errors or toxic plants

Because the liver has an enormous capacity to regenerate, early damage often goes unnoticed for a long time. However, once more than 70% of the liver tissue is damaged, symptoms become clearly apparent—often already life-threatening.

Causes of Liver Problems in Horses

The liver can be strained by many different factors. In many cases, several causes play a role at the same time:

Feeding errors

‍Incorrect nutrition is the most common cause. This includes:

• Mold in hay or straw → mycotoxins place a heavy burden on the liver
• Spoiled concentrate feed → fermentation or fungal contamination
• Excessive protein intake (e.g. from young grass or high-protein concentrates) → increases ammonia load
• Mineral imbalances (copper excess, zinc or selenium deficiency)

Toxic plants

‍Horses usually instinctively avoid toxic plants, but they may ingest them when feed is scarce or via hay:

• Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) – contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that irreversibly damage the liver
• Autumn crocus
• Acorns and oak leaves

Medications and deworming treatments

‍The liver metabolizes medications. Frequent administration of anti-inflammatory drugs or regular deworming without blood testing can place significant strain on the organ.

Infections and parasites

• Liver inflammation caused by viruses or bacteria
• Liver fluke infestation – especially in wet pasture areas

Environmental toxins

• Pesticides and herbicides on pastures
• Heavy metals in water or soil

Note: Often it is not a single cause that is decisive, but rather a combination of stressors that gradually weaken the liver over time.

Symptoms: How Do Liver Problems Manifest in Horses?

The symptoms develop gradually and are often difficult to recognize at first. Typical signs of liver problems in horses include:

• Reduced performance – horses tire quickly and have lower stamina
• Changes in coat condition – dull, lackluster coat, sometimes with so-called “hunger hairs” (thin, long hairs) → see hunger hairs in horses
• Difficult coat change – horses shed poorly or incompletely → see coat change in horses
• Skin problems and itching – caused by the accumulation of toxins in the skin and connective tissue
• Weight loss despite feeding – nutrients are no longer utilized efficiently
• Loss of appetite or fluctuating eating behavior
• Increased drinking and urination – as the kidneys are also put under greater strain
• Yellowing of the mucous membranes (jaundice) in cases of severe damage
• Colic-like symptoms or diarrhea

Behavioral changes are also typical: some horses suddenly become aggressive, while others appear apathetic.

Recognizing Liver Problems in Horses

Diagnosis is challenging because the symptoms are nonspecific. The following are important:

• Blood test
  
  • Key parameters: GGT, GLDH, AST, bilirubin
  • Elevated values indicate liver stress, even if the horse appears outwardly healthy.
    

• Ultrasound
  • Visualization of liver structure and possible tissue changes.

• Liver biopsy
  • ‍‍Only used in unclear cases; it allows for a precise diagnosis.

• Clinical picture
  • ‍‍A combination of symptoms, feeding history, and clinical examination.

Important: Early blood tests are the best preventive measure—especially for older horses or those showing noticeable symptoms.

Treatment of Liver Problems in Horses

Therapy depends on the cause, severity, and the horse’s overall condition.

1. Eliminating the cause

• Remove toxic plants from pastures
• Replace mold-contaminated feed immediately
• Discontinue or reduce medications

2. Relieving the liver

• Infusions to support the elimination of toxins
• Liver-supportive medications (e.g., silymarin from milk thistle)
• Herbal courses to stimulate liver and gallbladder function

3. Long-term dietary adjustment

Feeding is the most important factor in treatment:

• Forage as the basis – high quality, clean, dust-free
• Reduce concentrates – especially high-protein mixes
• Easily digestible energy sources – e.g., beet pulp, flaked maize
• Liver-friendly herbs: milk thistle, artichoke, nettle, yarrow
• Minerals & vitamins – especially zinc, selenium, and vitamin E

Feeding for Liver Problems – Practical Tips

Proper feeding in cases of liver problems often determines recovery:

• No experiments – feed quality is the top priority
• Smaller portions – spreading feed throughout the day relieves the liver
• Low-protein diet – prefer hay from late-cut meadows
• Supplementary feeds – products for liver and kidney support can aid metabolism
• Herbal courses – useful in spring and autumn to “flush” the liver

Kidney and Liver Problems in Horses

The liver and kidneys are closely connected:

• Liver: breaks down toxins
• Kidneys: excrete them

If the liver is weakened, the kidneys also come under strain—and vice versa. Symptoms often overlap, which is why both organs should always be considered together.

Homeopathy and Natural Medicine

Many horse owners additionally rely on gentle methods:

• Homeopathic remedies such as Carduus marianus, Chelidonium, or Flor de piedra
• Phytotherapy with milk thistle, dandelion, or birch leaves
• Bach flower remedies or acupuncture as supportive measures

Important: These methods are not a standalone therapy, but they can have a supportive effect.

Can You Ride a Horse with Liver Problems?

Whether a horse with liver problems can be ridden depends greatly on its condition:

• Acute illness → no riding; the horse needs rest
• Chronic, mild liver problems → light exercise can be beneficial, as it stimulates metabolism
• Always applies: consult with the veterinarian.

Prevention – How to Protect Your Horse from Liver Problems

• Regular blood tests (especially in older horses)
• Checking pastures and hay meadows for toxic plants
• Clean feed—free from mold, dust, and mycotoxins
• Herbal courses to support the liver (spring/autumn)
• Conscious use of medication—avoid unnecessary anti-inflammatories or deworming treatments

Conclusion

Liver problems in horses are insidious because they often become visible only at a late stage. However, with attentive observation, regular blood tests, conscious feeding, and early veterinary support, horse owners can do a great deal to maintain their horse’s liver health.

FAQ – Liver Problems in Horses

How do liver problems manifest in horses?

Through nonspecific symptoms such as reduced performance, poor coat condition, loss of appetite, weight loss, or skin problems.

What causes liver problems in horses?

‍Most commonly feeding errors, toxic plants, medications, parasites, or environmental toxins.

How can liver problems in horses be diagnosed?

‍Reliably only through blood tests, supplemented by clinical symptoms and ultrasound examination.

What should be done if a horse has liver problems?

‍Adjust the diet, use liver-supportive herbs, and initiate veterinary treatment.

Can a horse with liver problems still be ridden?

‍In acute cases, no; in mild chronic cases, limited riding may be possible after consultation with a veterinarian.