What is Canine Infectious Hepatitis?

Canine Infectious Hepatitis is a liver disease which is life threatening and can potentially affect all dogs who are not vaccinated. Puppies are especially vulnerable and account for the majority of cases of canine infectious hepatitis. Vaccines to prevent the disease are available for all ages of dogs and should be given as soon as possible.

hepatitis

The initial symptoms of canine infectious hepatitis might seem like a bad cold. The first signs of an infection are coughing and sometimes pneumonia. The virus moves quickly, however, and death can occur within a few hours of the initial symptoms. This is because after affecting the throat, the virus which causes canine infectious hepatitis moves into the blood where it is transported to the eyes, liver, and kidneys. Evidence of hepatitis which has entered the blood includes "hepatitis blue eye", increased thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, and even seizures. "Hepatitis blue eye" caused by canine infectious hepatitis happens when the whites of the eyes look blue or clouded. If any of these symptoms occur, the dog must be taken to the vet immediately.

HEPATITIS

Specific treatments do not exist for canine infectious hepatitis. The dog can be stabilized and given fluids through an IV, but after that it is up to the dog's own immune system to fight the infection. After recovery, the dog can still infect other dogs with the virus that causes canine infectious hepatitis. It is important for the health of other pets that they be vaccinated and kept away from the recovered dog and his wastes and nasal discharge for up to nine months.

Vaccination is the only way to prevent an untimely death due to canine infectious hepatitis.

What is Canine Infectious Hepatitis?

HEPATITIS

Infectious Canine Hepatitis - A Look at Hepatitis in Dogs

Infectious canine hepatitis is a highly contagious disease. The virus that causes this disease can cause damage to your dog's liver as well as other organs. If treatment isn't sought quickly, the disease is usually fatal. Puppies are especially susceptible to life-threatening complications.

hepatitis

Cause

HEPATITIS

As mentioned earlier, hepatitis in dogs is caused by a virus. The specific virus is canine adenovirus type 1, also referred to as CAV-1. It is transmitted through contact with infected animals and objects. Common objects that can harbor the virus include feces, food bowls, and water dishes. The virus can also be transmitted by parasites such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. In some cases, it can also be inhaled.

Symptoms

Dogs with infectious canine hepatitis develop a wide range of symptoms. They include vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Your dog may also get a high fever. You may also notice that your dog's stomach will appear enlarged. This is caused by the swelling of the liver.

Hepatitis in dogs also causes sensitivity to light. Your dog's eyes will tear when exposed to light. In severe cases of the disease, symptoms include bloody gums, nose, vomit, and diarrhea. It is also common for dogs to experience seizures, which is usually a sight of impending death within days. Some dogs die within hours of showing symptoms.

Diagnosis

This disease is diagnosed based on a physical exam and clinical signs. Blood and urine samples will also be sent to the lab to be analyzed. There is also a test that can detect the presence of the virus in your dog's stool.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for infectious canine hepatitis. Dogs can usually fight the disease on their own as long as they have a healthy immune system. Treatment involves giving the dog intravenous fluids, enemas, and blood transfusions. Since the eyes usually become inflamed, your dog may also be given eye drops to get rid of the inflammation. Even after the disease has been treated, dogs can shed the virus for months after infection. Therefore, your dog will pose a threat of infecting other dogs.

Infectious Canine Hepatitis - A Look at Hepatitis in Dogs

HEPATITIS