Bringing a dog into your home is exciting, but it requires a good amount of responsibility. Not only will you need to train your dog, but you will also need to provide them with proper food, water, and medical care. Unfortunately, certain medical conditions may arise even if they are eating well and seeing the veterinarian regularly.
Hepatic Encephalopathy is a serious condition that has what seems to be an unimportant sign: head pressing. If your dog is pressing their head against a wall, door, or another surface, medical attention is imperative. With this guide and the help of your
veterinarian
, you will understand the signs, causes, and treatment options for Hepatic Encephalopathy.
Signs and Symptoms
Again, the most obvious sign of Hepatic Encephalopathy is head pressing. If your dog is suffering from this disease, they may show the following signs, as well:
- Circling, pacing, running into walls
- Lethargy, fatigue, drowsiness
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Blindness, vision issues
- Other changes in behavior, such as aggression
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
It is important to note that these signs do not automatically indicate your dog has Hepatic Encephalopathy, but diagnostic testing should be conducted. Diagnosis may involve testing blood and urine sample and ultrasonography imaging tests.
Causes
Before treatment can begin, your veterinarian will need to determine the root cause of their Hepatic Encephalopathy. In most cases, the disorder develops as a secondary condition to liver disease.
Without a functioning liver, ammonia will accumulate in your dog's system. The excess amount of ammonia will eventually travel to the brain, causing swelling of the brain that will affect the entire nervous system.
Of course, learning the cause of liver disease is also important for diagnosis and treatment.
Cirrhosis, hypertension, masses on the liver, and liver cancer may all lead to liver disease in your dog. Bacterial infections, such as Leptospirosis, can also damage the liver, reducing its ability to remove toxins from your dog's body.
Also, a birth defect that causes a portosystemic shunt may also lead to Hepatic Encephalopathy.
Treatment
Treatment for your dog will require a few stages. In most cases, your dog will need to be hospitalized. During this hospitalization, your dog will receive IV fluids, antibiotics, and anti-seizure medications if they are experiencing seizures due to their condition.
Once your dog is stabilized, your veterinarian will begin diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of the Hepatic Encephalopathy.
If your dog's liver has a portosystemic shunt, surgery will be recommended to repair this issue. Most dogs who undergo this surgery will recover from the disease successfully.
Unfortunately, most cases are not diagnosed until there is significant damage to the liver. In these situations, treatment is not possible. However, you and your veterinarian can work together to slow down the progression of the disease.
You may be surprised to learn that a special diet can help slow down the progression of liver disease.
Most veterinarians recommend high amounts of protein in diets for healthy dogs. In dogs with liver disease, high levels of protein can be difficult to digest, increasing the amount of ammonia the damaged liver will need to process and remove.
Reduce the amount of high-protein foods your dog eats. Also, consider adding soy products to your dog's diet, since soy proteins are easier to digest.
Instead of one big meal, feed your dog 3 smaller meals each day. This method of eating will regulate your dog's metabolic spikes, improving the function of their liver.
Head pressing may not seem like unusual behavior, but it is an essential sign of a dangerous disease. To learn more about head pressing, Hepatic Encephalopathy, and liver disease, contact Pet Medical Center Of Vero Beach today.
