Hepatic encephalopathy associated with paratuberculosis in a goat.

A 3-year-old pregnant Nubian goat that was examined because of weight loss, weakness, and change in attitude was determined to be infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Signs of depressed attitude, trembling, and ataxia were consistent with hepatic encephalopathy, which was confirmed by detection of hyperammonemia. These signs were consistent with histopathologic lesions in the liver and brain. Changes in energy balance and the hypoproteinemia that often develop in goats with paratuberculosis may lead to fat infiltration of the liver, hepatic insufficiency and, ultimately, hepatoencephalopathy.