Changes

==Causes of Icterus==

==Causes of Icterus==

===Pre-hepatic Jaundice===

===Pre-hepatic Jaundice===

This condition results from increased red blood cell destruction, overwhelming the capacity of the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] to conjugate and excrete the bilirubin which is released into the plasma.  The majority of the bilirubin is therefore unconjugated and, unlike the conjugated form, this cannot be excreted by the [[Urinary System - Anatomy & Physiology|kidney]].  Possible causes of haemolysis and prehepatic jaundice include:

This condition results from increased red blood cell destruction, overwhelming the capacity of the [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] to conjugate and excrete the bilirubin which is released into the plasma.  The majority of the bilirubin is therefore unconjugated and, unlike the conjugated form, this cannot be excreted by the [[Urinary System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|kidney]].  Possible causes of haemolysis and prehepatic jaundice include:

*'''Haemolytic bacteria''', including ''[[Clostridium haemolyticum]]'' in cattle and [[Leptospira|'''Leptospires''']] in various species.

*'''Haemolytic bacteria''', including ''[[Clostridium haemolyticum]]'' in cattle and [[Leptospira|'''Leptospires''']] in various species.

*'''Haemolytic parasites''', including '''[[Babesia|Babesiosis]]''' in cattle and dogs and ''[[Mycoplasma haemofelis]]'' in cats.

*'''Haemolytic parasites''', including '''[[Babesia|Babesiosis]]''' in cattle and dogs and ''[[Mycoplasma haemofelis]]'' in cats.