[Evaluation of hepatic pathology of bovines by a blood sample. Relations with histopathologic findings]

Three groups of twelve cows were chosen after slaughter on the basis of their state of liver damage. First group of cows was normal (no visible hepatic lesion : N group); second group (CD group) had cholangitis lesions related to Fasciola hepatica; and the last group (AN) had severe liver damages. Histopathologic examinations, various metabolic determinations in plasma and an immunologic detection of Fasciola hepatica were performed on hepatic tissue or blood samples. Results showed that gamma-GT, GLDH, albumin, globulins and total protein levels in plasma were significatively different between N group and CD or AN groups. Comparison between CD group and AN group showed that GLDH activities were significatively higher and albumin concentrations significatively lower in AN group than in CD group. Immunological test showed that Fasciola hepatica was the main cause of the liver lesions. It was concluded that an hepatic blood profile should include gamma-GT, GLDH and albumin determinations and a Fasciola hepatica serological test. Other hepatic tests are presented to complete the hepatic profile.