Hepatic Encephalopathy

DLS · 06-20-2008, 11:59 AM

Has anyone here ever dealt with any Liver disorders? There is a young rescued female exhibiting symptoms that I think may be liver related. Her foster Mom was up all night as the Dobergirl was having 'fits'. Not your 'typical' epileptic ones though, she was frothing from mouth and nose, growling, snapping and snarling in the air at nothing specific, mouthing on her left side as if something is in her mouth, uncoordinated in gait, lethargy.

She has been to the Vets for blood tests. Still waiting for results.

Any Ideas?

Sagesmom · 06-20-2008, 12:03 PM

I am no help on this but i hope they figure it out soon, keep us posted......

**berkshire** · 06-20-2008, 05:41 PM

Typically hepatic encephalopathy shows up as stuporous periods, head pressing or circling. These episodes are typically worse after a meal. Hope that's not what it is.

There's a form of petite mal seizure that results in 'fly biting' behavior, but that doesn't sound like what you're describing. Have you considered a neuro consult at a specialist?

**Doberdog** · 06-21-2008, 07:56 PM

Poor little girl I hope she is ok. Please let us know what the Vet says. I will say a prayer for her.

DLS · 06-21-2008, 10:59 PM

Test results so far do not indicate liver involvement. Thank God. Her blood work indicate a very high parasitic count and she has a broken canine tooth.
Seems as soon as she is even the least bit stressed she has an 'episode', still not sure why. She goes in for tooth extraction, xrays, worming etc. tomorrow.

prophecy · 06-22-2008, 07:23 AM

im going to add my 2 cents.though im not a vet.
it sounds more neurologic. those are not 'typical seizures' like an epileptic would have. im going to ask... did she get into a toxin/stimulant? what about vitamin deficency if shes high parasite load? depending on the parasite type, like tapeworm.she could have a 'wormclot' its rare but can happen that a tapeworm egg gets into the bloodstream and ends up in the head,and blocks a vessel. creating a stroke. wich could cause seizure activity. also another thought is blood sugar. the parasites could be 'taking it all' from her. and anemia wich is another parasite issue.
keep us posted please.

DLS · 06-22-2008, 02:26 PM

prophecy, I think you are on the right track. I think the toxins from the parasites {plus her very stresssful life up to now}are in some way causing her siezures. We will know more after her Vet visit today.

**lolonurse** · 06-24-2008, 01:56 PM

Seizures can be caused by a number of different things, from brain diseases and injuries to blood clots and hemorrhages to parasites or toxins, to blood sugar imbalances, and more. But there are a lot of different types of seizures also. Hepatic encephalopathies usually don't cause seizures; the toxicity usually results in confusion, disorientation, lethargy, memory loss and unsteadiness.
We are sending lots of positive energy for her to soak up. Lois (lolonurse)