Which of the following is a clinical sign associated with hepatic encephalopathy?

Prepare for the ACVIM General Board Exam with comprehensive flashcards and in-depth multiple choice questions. Gain insights with detailed explanations and enhance your readiness for success!

Hepatic encephalopathy is a neurological condition that results from liver dysfunction, leading to the accumulation of toxic substances in the bloodstream, particularly ammonia. This condition can manifest with various clinical signs, and seizures are a notable sign. Seizures occur as a result of the brain becoming affected by the toxic metabolites that the liver is unable to properly detoxify. Increased ammonia levels can cause alterations in neurotransmitter function and neuronal excitability, which can lead to seizures in affected patients.

In contrast, while the other options might be associated with liver disease in a broader sense, they do not specifically correlate to hepatic encephalopathy as directly as seizures do. For example, polyuria can be related to diabetes mellitus or kidney issues but not specifically to hepatic encephalopathy. Respiratory distress typically relates to pulmonary conditions or circulatory issues and is not a hallmark of hepatic encephalopathy itself. Jaundice, while common in liver dysfunction due to high bilirubin levels, is not directly indicative of the neurological complications that arise in hepatic encephalopathy. Thus, seizures stand out as a clear and direct clinical sign associated with this condition.

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