Assessment of hepatic function and damage in animal species. A review of the current approach of the academic, governmental and industrial institutions represented by the Animal Clinical Chemistry Association

There are a wide variety of laboratory tests available to assess damage to and functional impairment of the liver, though the effectiveness of these tests varies greatly depending upon the type of damage and the animal species involved. Species differences in tissue localization, metabolism, specificity and sensitivity of parameters relating to the liver influence the choice of tests. Some tests can be applied usefully to most animal species while others may be highly specific in one species but show very low discriminatory potential in others. The tests available, and their use in veterinary and toxicological investigations have been reviewed in the light of current practice in the U.K.