Which liver enzyme is often reported as elevated in horses relative to many other species?

Which liver enzyme is often reported as elevated in horses relative to many other species?

• A. AST
• B. ALP
• C. ALT
• D. GGT

Answer: (A)

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is often elevated in horses relative to many other species because horses tend to show a more noticeable rise in this enzyme when there is hepatocellular distress, and ALT activity is comparatively low in horses, making AST stand out more in the typical enzyme panel. However, AST isn’t liver-specific—it’s also abundant in muscle—so elevations can reflect muscle injury or strenuous exercise in addition to liver issues. In practice, veterinarians interpret AST alongside other enzymes like GGT and ALP and consider the animal’s muscle status to distinguish the source of elevation.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is often elevated in horses relative to many other species because horses tend to show a more noticeable rise in this enzyme when there is hepatocellular distress, and ALT activity is comparatively low in horses, making AST stand out more in the typical enzyme panel. However, AST isn’t liver-specific—it’s also abundant in muscle—so elevations can reflect muscle injury or strenuous exercise in addition to liver issues. In practice, veterinarians interpret AST alongside other enzymes like GGT and ALP and consider the animal’s muscle status to distinguish the source of elevation.