Hepatic Encephalopathy
Abnormal liver function or shunting causes neurotoxins (GABA, aromatic amino acids, mercaptans, ammonia, skatoles) to reach the brain through general circulation causing brain dysfunction.
Age of Onset: Less than 2 years of age
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs worsen over time, signs may be exacerbated in the immediate post-prandial period
Clinical signs worsen over time, signs may be exacerbated in the immediate post-prandial period
Clinical Signs:
Behavioral/Mental Awareness
Mentation changes
Seizures
Lethargy
Movement
Ataxia
Circling
Head pressing
Slight hypermetria or hypertonia
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficits
Cranial Nerves
Episodic central blindness
Nystagmus
Spinal Reflexes
Exaggerated patellar reflex
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Anorexia
Diarrhea
Hematuria
Melena
Polydipsia
Polyurea
Ptyalism
Stranguria
Vomiting
Behavioral/Mental Awareness
Mentation changes
Seizures
Lethargy
Movement
Ataxia
Circling
Head pressing
Slight hypermetria or hypertonia
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficits
Cranial Nerves
Episodic central blindness
Nystagmus
Spinal Reflexes
Exaggerated patellar reflex
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Anorexia
Diarrhea
Hematuria
Melena
Polydipsia
Polyurea
Ptyalism
Stranguria
Vomiting
Intracranial/Metabolic
Unknown
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