My beloved mother passed away from pancreatic cancer. She developed hyperammonia encephalitis due to an obstructed vein to her liver. I think the effect is probably similar to the liver shunt in your pup...They tried using lactulose on her (which is why I thought to share my experience with you) and it did help to a degree. What helped her a lot with the symptoms was an antiobiotic called Rifaximin. It works in the gut to help clear out the ammonia I think. I think I read somewhere that there is a drug for dogs too (not the same)...sorry, just read you did start on an antibiotic.
In mom's case the doctors were pretty pathetic. My 80 year old retired MD father is the one who figured out the problem and he is the one who demanded the medicine. It really did seem to help. Hopefully your vet has done the reading on HE.
FYI, mom became very unsteady, had blurry vision, agitated, and difficulty finding the correct words or having a conversation...It was terrible to see her that way. I assume dogs may have similar symptoms, but they can't tell us.
I hope you can manage the symptoms and keep him happy. |