Hepatic dysfunction

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2011 Jul;41(4):745-58, vi. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2011.04.002. Epub 2011 May 23.

Abstract

This article reviews the common pathophysiology that constitutes hepatic dysfunction, regardless of the inciting cause. The systemic consequences of liver failure and the impact of this condition on other organ systems are highlighted. The diagnostic tests available for determining the cause and extent of liver dysfunction are outlined, treatment strategies aimed at supporting hepatic health and recovery are discussed, and prognosis is briefly covered. The article emphasizes the fact that because of the central role of the liver in maintaining normal systemic homeostasis, hepatic dysfunction cannot be effectively addressed as an isolated entity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / complications
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Central Nervous System Diseases / veterinary
  • Critical Illness / epidemiology
  • Critical Illness / therapy
  • Humans
  • Liver / physiopathology*
  • Liver Diseases / drug therapy
  • Liver Diseases / etiology
  • Liver Diseases / physiopathology
  • Liver Diseases / veterinary*
  • Liver Failure, Acute / drug therapy
  • Liver Failure, Acute / etiology
  • Liver Failure, Acute / physiopathology
  • Liver Failure, Acute / veterinary*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sepsis / complications
  • Sepsis / drug therapy
  • Sepsis / physiopathology
  • Sepsis / veterinary
  • Species Specificity
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / complications
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / veterinary
  • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / complications
  • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / drug therapy
  • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / physiopathology
  • Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / veterinary