Hepatic Encephalopathy in dogs

Species: Dog
Condition: Hepatic Encephalopathy
Organ System: Nervous/sensory

As a result of congenital circulation abnormalities, toxins from the liver enter the bloodstream and reach the brain causing a range of neurological symptoms. The dogs display mood changes from hysteria to depression; compulsive pacing, circling; they are difficult to train. There can be seizures, reduced response to stimuli etc. Various digestive issues occur as well (diarrhoea, vomiting, stunted growth). Most dogs need to be hospitalized and treated intensively. They should be on a special diet and under frequent veterinary monitoring. In some cases surgical correction of the circulatory issue in the liver can be performed.

Breeds exposed to Hepatic Encephalopathy – Research Reference
Jack Russell Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
American Cocker Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
English Springer Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Jack Russell Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
American Cocker Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Springer Spaniel – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
English Springer Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
“Cocker Spaniel Cross – (Brooks 1999
“Spoodle Cross – (Brooks 1999
Springer Spaniel Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
“Cocker Spaniel – (Brooks 1999
“Spoodle – (Brooks 1999

Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine

To learn more about Hepatic Encephalopathy or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.