Another form of leukoencephalomalacia is seen as liver or hepatic disease. Hepatic failure causes icterus, edema, hemorrhage, weight loss, elevated serum hepatic enzyme activities and bilirubin levels, and an overall unthrifty appearance. However, once fifty percent of the liver becomes damaged, chronic liver disease may exist. These horses often loose weight regardless of adequate nutrition. It is unclear how long horses can tolerate low levels of toxicity, but it is reported that some horses have been on the same corn for 30 days before elevated hepatic enzymes indicated liver damage.
Horses seem to be the most susceptible to toxic levels of fumonisin.
Combined levels of FB1 and FB2 as low as 5 parts per million have been associated with ELEM in horses, whereas swine are affected with pulmonary edema and occasional hemorrhaging at levels of 15 parts per million. Cattle have been fed corn with combined levels of 50 parts per million of FB1 and FB2 with decreased weight gains due to the reluctance to consume contaminated corn the only symptom. But elevated hepatic enzymes are detected. Feeding contaminated corn to poultry, especially ducklings, should be avoided. The symptoms found in horses, poultry, and hogs are of result of toxic levels fed over an extended period of time.