Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy occurs as a result of elevated concentrations of neurotoxins (GABA, aromatic amino acids, mercaptans, ammonia, skatoles) that reach the brain through the general circulation, causing brain dysfunction through primary neurotoxicity and secondary pathophysiologic effects such as edema and ischemia.
Age of Onset: Any age can be affected
Cats with congenital hepatopathies (such as congenital portosystemic shunts) will often present at less than 2 years of age.
Hepatic encephalopathy can also be acquired secondary to acute or chronic liver disease and failure.
Cats with congenital hepatopathies (such as congenital portosystemic shunts) will often present at less than 2 years of age.
Hepatic encephalopathy can also be acquired secondary to acute or chronic liver disease and failure.
Sex Predisposition: Any sex of animal can be affected
Clinical Course:
Clinical signs may progress over time.
Clinical signs may progress over time.
Clinical Signs:
Behavioral/Mental Awareness
*Mentation changes
*Lethargy/Depression
Movement
*Episodic tremors (generalized or focal)
Ataxia
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficits
Cranial Nerves
Cerebello-vestibular signs
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Gastrointestinal (anorexia, diarrhea, melena, vomiting, ptyalism)
Urinary (Hematuria, *polyuria/polydypsia, stranguria)
Behavioral/Mental Awareness
*Mentation changes
*Lethargy/Depression
Movement
*Episodic tremors (generalized or focal)
Ataxia
Proprioception
Proprioceptive deficits
Cranial Nerves
Cerebello-vestibular signs
Special Functions (e.g. respiration; urination)
Gastrointestinal (anorexia, diarrhea, melena, vomiting, ptyalism)
Urinary (Hematuria, *polyuria/polydypsia, stranguria)
Intracranial - metabolic
Unknown
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