Difference between revisions of "Hepatic Encephalopathy - Horse"

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==Description==  
 
==Description==  
Hepatic encephalopathy is neurological disfunction caused by hepatic disease, 60-80% of hepatic function mustbe lost before clinical signs develop. A combination of mechanisms is probably responsible for the syndrome.
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Hepatic encephalopathy is neurological disfunction caused by hepatic disease, 60-80% of hepatic function must be lost before clinical signs develop. A combination of mechanisms is probably responsible for the syndrome.  
  
 
==Signalment==
 
==Signalment==
 
No age, sex or breed predisposions.
 
No age, sex or breed predisposions.
  
[[Hepatitis, Equine Serum]]
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There are many hepatic disorders which can lead to hepatic encephalopathy including, [[Hepatitis, Equine Serum|Hepatitis]], [[Ragwort Toxicity]], [[Tyzzer's Disease]] and [[Hyperlipaemia - Horse|Hyperlipaemia]]
[[Ragwort Toxicity]]
 
[[Tyzzer's Disease]]
 
[[Hyperlipaemia - Horse]]
 
  
 
==Diagnosis==
 
==Diagnosis==
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===Laboratory Tests===
 
===Laboratory Tests===
 
===Biopsy===
 
===Biopsy===
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 +
===Ultrasound===
  
 
===Pathology===
 
===Pathology===

Revision as of 15:08, 17 August 2010



Description

Hepatic encephalopathy is neurological disfunction caused by hepatic disease, 60-80% of hepatic function must be lost before clinical signs develop. A combination of mechanisms is probably responsible for the syndrome.

Signalment

No age, sex or breed predisposions.

There are many hepatic disorders which can lead to hepatic encephalopathy including, Hepatitis, Ragwort Toxicity, Tyzzer's Disease and Hyperlipaemia

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

Clinical signs vary depending on the severity of hepatic dysfunction, early signs are often subtle and may be missed. Clinical signs may be associated with feeding.

  • Depression
  • Lethargy
  • Head pressing
  • Ataxia
  • Behavioural changes
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death

Clinical signs associated with hepatic disease

  • Weight loos
  • Diarrhoea
  • Icterus


Laboratory Tests

Biopsy

Ultrasound

Pathology

See also Hepatic Encephalopathy Pathology

Treatment

With supportive therapy horses may recover from hepatic encephalopathy after 4-21 days.

Prognosis

Prognosis depends on the underlying disease, signs are potentially reversible if the initiating course can be corrected. Horses with hepatic disease showing neurological signs have a poorer prognosis than those showing only signs af hepatic dysfunction. However with appropriate supportive therapy 40% of horses survive for at least 6 months. Recovery may be incomplete and temporary.

References

  • Bertone, J. (2006) Equine Geriactric Medicine and Surgery, Elsevier
  • Knottenbelt, D.C. A Handbook of Equine Medicine for Final Year Students University of Liverpool
  • Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial
  • Rose, R. J. and Hodgson, D. R. (2000) Manual of Equine Practice (Second Edition) Sauders.