Hepatic Encephalopathy - Horse

See also Hepatic Encephalopathy Pathology

• the horse may show very little visible neural changes, perhaps an increase in astrocytes

Description

Hepatic encephalopathy is neurological disfunction caused by hepatic disease.

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

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.

References

• 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.