Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Portal vein anomaly and hepatic encephalopathy in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1977
- Authors:
- Beech, J et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A yearling Thoroughbred gelding experienced repeated episodes of central nervous system problems, which means he had issues with his brain and nervous system. He also had a history of frequent respiratory illnesses and did not grow as expected. The veterinarians diagnosed him with hepatic encephalopathy, a condition caused by liver problems that can affect the brain, based on his symptoms and tests that showed high levels of ammonia in his blood. Unfortunately, due to his poor outlook and ongoing health issues, the decision was made to euthanize him. A post-mortem examination showed a serious issue with the portal vein, which is a blood vessel that carries blood from the intestines to the liver, along with changes in his brain tissue.
Abstract
Periodic episodes of diffuse central nervous system disease occurred in a yearling Thoroughbred gelding that had a history of frequent respiratory tract disease and stunted growth. Hepatic encephalopathy was diagnosed on the basis of history, clinical signs, prolonged bromsulphalein clearance, and increased blood ammonia content. Because of the poor prognosis and recurrent clinical signs the horse was euthanatized. Necropsy revealed an arteriovenous anomaly and thrombosis of the portal vein. Histologically, there was diffuse primary astrocytosis of the brain.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/833038/