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Hepatic Encephalopathy - Horse (view source)
Revision as of 12:37, 19 August 2010
, 12:37, 19 August 2010no edit summary
===Laboratory Tests===
===Laboratory Tests===
Haemotology and Biochemistry results will be consistent with hepatic disease,
Haemotology and Biochemistry results will be consistent with hepatic disease; including increased GGT and SDH, hypoalbuminaemia and elevated bile acids.
===Biopsy===
===Biopsy===
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
With supportive therapy horses may recover from hepatic encephalopathy after 4-21 days. Treatment is only warranted
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.
'''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 immediate '''euthansia''' is indicated.
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 fequently.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==