What are the most common clinical signs of hepatic encephalopathy in cats?

Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric condition that arises due to compromised liver function, leading to an accumulation of toxic substances such as ammonia in the bloodstream. In cats with this condition, the most common clinical signs include behavioral changes such as aggression and hypersalivation.

Aggression may manifest due to the altered mental status that occurs as a result of hepatic dysfunction, where cats may become disoriented or irritable. Hypersalivation can occur due to neurological disturbances affecting the autonomic nervous system, which may lead to increased salivary gland activity. These signs are indicative of the neurotoxic effects resulting from liver failure.

While other choices, such as vomiting and diarrhea, may occasionally be observed in cats with underlying liver disease, they are not the primary indicators of hepatic encephalopathy. Similarly, frequent urination and weight loss may occur due to other systemic diseases, but they do not specifically reflect the neurological aspects associated with hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, aggression and hypersalivation are the most directly associated clinical signs when diagnosing this condition in cats.