What You Need to Know About Hepatitis in Dogs

Hepatitis is a serious illness in dogs for which there is no cure. It is therefore important to immunize the dog while it is still a puppy. Immunization is very safe and effective. A series of vaccinations are need to ensure immunity. Make sure that your dog completes the whole course of vaccinations to ensure complete immunity.

hepatitis

Widespread vaccination has considerably reduced the prevalence of hepatitis in Western Europe and North America. But it is important to get you puppy immunized all the same because unless a high proportion of dog owners do so the disease will make a come back. Vaccination is the responsible action on the part of a dog owner who is concerned about animal welfare.

HEPATITIS

Hepatitis in dogs is caused by the virus CAV-1. This virus is unique to dogs and does not cause infection in humans. An infected dog cannot transmit the hepatitis to you or your children. Human hepatitis is caused by a different virus.

CAV-1, like other hepatitis viruses first establishes itself in the lymph nodes from where it replicates and spreads to the bloodstream. It causes damage to major organs including the liver, kidneys and eyes.

In a puppy or young dog hepatitis can be fatal. In an older dog it is unlikely to be fatal but can produce extreme discomfort and pain. Some dogs may show little sign of infection.

Once a dog is infected with CAV-1 there is no treatment or cure. That is why early vaccination is vital to prevent hepatitis in your dog.

In some cases hepatitis is not caused by CAV-1. This is known as idiopathic or periportal hepatitis. The cause of this type of hepatitis in dogs is not known. It is usually seen in dogs that are five or six years old.

The symptoms of both types of hepatitis are similar. They include weight loss, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, depression and weakness. There is no specific treatment but your veterinarian will attempt to alleviate the dog's symptoms. Antibiotics may be used to prevent secondary opportunistic infections.

All that you and your veterinarian can do is to try and keep the dog as comfortable as possible. You simply have to wait until the dog recovers from the disease. Adult dogs will usually survive, but in puppies hepatitis can be fatal.

Some breeds are more likely to suffer from hepatitis than others. Doberman Pinchers and some types of terrier are most susceptible. They may develop chronic hepatitis and suffer from the disease all their lives. No one knows the reason for this.

What You Need to Know About Hepatitis in Dogs

HEPATITIS