Condition6 connections · 2 sources
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Neurological condition from liver failure where toxins (especially ammonia) accumulate in the bloodstream.
Key Facts
- Most commonly caused by portosystemic shunt
- Signs: unusual behavior, wobbliness, seizures, blindness, coma
- Signs often worse after eating (ammonia from GI tract)
- Lactulose prevents ammonia absorption from GI tract
- Low protein diet may help reduce ammonia production
- Brain swelling can occur in severe cases
- Mild cases treated quickly usually recover
Connections (6)
Related Conditions
Hepatic LipidosisCondition
— another cause in cats
Liver FailureCondition
Liver failure directly causes the accumulation of neurotoxins leading to encephalopathy.
Portal Vein HypoplasiaCondition
Can develop as a complication if liver function becomes severely compromised.
Portosystemic ShuntCondition
— most common underlying cause
SeizureCondition
— severe neurological sign