Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Seizures in a 3-month-old dog with liver shunt brain effects
By Raluca Adriana Ștefănescu et al.·Published in Life·2025·Neurology Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iași University of Life Sciences, 700489 Iași, Romania, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Electroencephalographic Features of Presumed Hepatic Encephalopathy in a Pediatric Dog with a Portosystemic Shunt—A Case Report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 3-month-old Bichon Frise was brought in for seizures caused by a portosystemic shunt, which is a condition where blood bypasses the liver, leading to toxic substances affecting the brain. The dog's brain activity was monitored using an EEG, which showed specific wave patterns that helped the veterinarians understand the severity of the condition. This information guided them in choosing the right treatment to manage the dog's symptoms and reduce the risk of serious complications. With appropriate care, the dog was able to receive the necessary treatment for its condition.
People also search for: puppy seizures treatment · Bichon Frise liver problems · portosystemic shunt in dogs
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in dogs is a metabolic disorder of the central nervous system that occurs secondarily to liver dysfunctions, whether due to acquired or congenital causes. A portosystemic shunt is the presence of abnormal communications between the hepatic vessels (portal and suprahepatic veins). As a result of this, the blood brought from the digestive tract through the portal vein bypasses the liver, and the unmetabolized components of the portal bloodstream enter directly into systemic circulation, causing clinical symptoms of metabolic encephalopathy (HE). A 3-month-old Bichon canine patient with a history of seizures secondarily to a portosystemic shunt (PS), confirmed through color Doppler ultrasound exam and computed tomography, was presented for evaluation. The typical electroencephalographic (EEG) traces recorded were characterized by the presence of bilateral symmetrical triphasic waves, resembling non-convulsive status epilepticus. The presence of this EEG pattern is useful in choosing the best therapeutic option in order to not accentuate the HE sings and, consequently, to decrease the mortality risk due to a prolonged status epilepticus.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3390/life15010107