Disorder - Hepatic Encephalopathy, Portosystemic.

Organ Systems Involved
Gastrointestinal

Alternative Names
HE
Portosystemic Encephalopathy
PSE
Chronic Portosystemic HE.

Brief Description

Due to an abnormal blood vessel arrangement, blood from the intestinal tract bypasses the liver and enters the general circulation. This blood contains toxins that would normally be filtered out by the liver. These toxins affect the function of the brain.

Presenting Signs

The symptoms of this disorder include a variety of fluctuating nervous system signs. Many of the symptoms are present for a short period of time and then the animal seems normal for a variable period. Affected dogs are often stunted and have difficulty gaining weight. They often exhibit depression and listlessness and can have a range of behavioural changes such as hysteria and aggression. There may be involuntary movements such as circling, head pressing and ataxia (incoordination). Apparent blindness, abnormal swallowing and salivation, stupor and reduced response to stimuli are often seen. Affected dogs may have mild vomiting, diarrhoea and a poor appetite. In severe cases dogs may experience seizures and coma, or be completely non-responsive to stimuli.

Groups Affected
Gundog
Hound
Non Sporting
Terrier
Toy
Utility
Working dog


Breeds Affected
American cocker spaniel
Australian cattle dog
Bernese mountain dog
Boxer
Cairn terrier
Chihuahua
English springer spaniel
Golden retriever
Irish wolfhound
Keeshond
Labrador retriever
Maltese
Norfolk terrier
Old English sheepdog
Pomeranian
Poodle (Toy)
Pug
Samoyed
Schnauzer (miniature)
Shih Tzu
Siberian husky
St Bernard
Yorkshire terrier


Treatment

Surgical/Medical

Related Disorders

Hepatic Microvascular Dysplasia (HMD) Hepatic Arteriovenous Fistulas Cirrhosis Lobular Dissecting Hepatitis Portal Vein Thrombosis Portal Vein Hypoplasia

PubMed References
Hepatic Encephalopathy, Portosystemic.

Further Reference Material [OMIA Number]
816


Contributor
Erica Malcolm