Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cats By: Dr. Arnold Plotnick Read By:
Pet Lovers Diagnosis In-depth Complete blood count (CBC). A CBC
is performed to help support a diagnosis of liver disease. A
high white blood cell count might be present if an infectious
cause of liver disease is present. Changes in the size – usually
smaller than normal red blood cells – and shape of red blood
cells are often seen in cases of liver disease. Hepatic
encephalopathy is a syndrome that is diagnosed by a combination
of history, physical exam findings and laboratory data that
shows significant liver disease is present in an animal for
which no other cause of the neurological signs can be
attributed. Serum chemistry panel. Depending on the nature of
the liver disorder present, various liver parameters will be
abnormal on the chemistry panel. Changes in the enzymes ALT,
AST, and ALP, may be seen, as well as decreased levels of
albumin, and increased levels of bilirubin. Other changes, such
as a low urea level and low blood sugar, are so