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| ==Treatment== | | ==Treatment== |
− | With supportive therapy horses may recover from hepatic encephalopathy after 4-21 days. Treatment is only warranted in acute cases likely to make a recovery. | + | With '''supportive''' therapy horses may recover from hepatic encephalopathy after 4-21 days. Treatment is only warranted in acute cases likely to make a recovery. |
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− | '''Sedation''' is often necessary in cases of hepatic encephalopathy; An alpha 2 agonist at a low dose is usually effective. If the neurological signs are so severe that the horse is a danger to itself and others then immediate '''euthansia''' is indicated. | + | '''Sedation''' is often necessary in cases of hepatic encephalopathy; An alpha 2 agonist at a low dose is usually effective. If the neurological signs are so severe that the horse is a danger to itself and others then '''euthansia''' may be indicated. |
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− | Fluid deficits and acid base abnormalities should be corrected as necessary and hypoglycaemic animals should be given a 5% dextrose solution IV. High carbohydrate, low protein diets should be fed in small amounts and frequently. | + | Fluid deficits and acid base abnormalities should be corrected as necessary and hypoglycaemic animals should be given a 5% dextrose solution IV. High carbohydrate, low protein diets should be fed in small amounts and frequently. |
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| + | Lactulose, mineral oil and neomycin or metronidazole can be administered in an attempt to reduce the production and absorption of hepatic toxins. |
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| ==Prognosis== | | ==Prognosis== |