Caring for working dogs

Hepatic Encephalopathy in Dogs

29 December 2016

Jose Reid

If your dog has suffered from liver disease, it is possible that a condition called hepatic encephalopathy may develop.  So what is hepatic encephalopathy, and what does it mean for your pet?

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy develops as a result of liver disease in dogs and affects the brain and central nervous system.  The condition is triggered when levels of ammonia in the dog's system become dangerously high, as a result of the dog's liver being unable to flush the substance from the animal's system.

Symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy 

If your dog develops hepatic encephalopathy, he may exhibit some of the following symptoms:

• confusion and disorientation
• lethargy or sleeping much more than usual
• compulsive or aimless pacing
• pressing the head against objects
• blindness
• seizures
• coma
• abnormally aggressive behaviour
• urinary abnormalities, including excessive frequency and brownish discolouration
• increased thirst
• loss of appetite
• vomiting
• diarrhoea

If your dog shows some or a combination of these symptoms, you should contact your vet clinic as a matter of urgency.

Causes of hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy can be an inherited disorder.  It can also be caused by liver diseases, an adverse reaction to drugs, and liver infections. 

Diagnosis

In order for your vet to diagnose hepatic encephalopathy in your dog, a physical examination will be carried out and a comprehensive blood panel will be taken, together with urinalysis.  Depending on the results of the blood tests and the urine sample, your vet may recommend an ultrasound or X-ray to enable them to visually examine the dog's liver for changes indicative of liver disease.

It would be very helpful for your vet if you are able to provide details of any history in your dog's family of liver disease or hepatic encephalopathy.

Treatment

The treatment that will be prescribed by your vet will depend on the root cause of your dog's hepatic encephalopathy.  Drug therapy and dietary change may be of benefit.  Your dog may admitted to a veterinary hospital for much of his recovery so that he can be kept in a warm, quiet environment.  Your pet may also need to have oxygen and fluid therapy, together with electrolyte and vitamin supplementation to help stabilise his condition.

In conclusion

If your dog has a history of liver problems and begins to exhibit any of the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy described above, you should consult your veterinary surgeon as an emergency.  Once the underlying problem has been treated, the hepatic encephalopathy should stabilise. 

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