Hepatic encephalopathy: clinical signs, pathogenesis, and treatment.

Hepatic encephalopathy is a metabolic encephalopathy that is completely reversible if treated early and appropriately. It is seen most commonly in dogs and cats with portosystemic portal hypertension. Antibiotics, lactulose, and dietary manipulation should be initiated as soon as hepatic encephalopathy is suspected. The prognosis of hepatic encephalopathy is complex and is not completely understood.