Understanding Types of Dog Hepatitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Dog hepatitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease in canines, caused by a viral infection that affects the liver. There are three main types of dog hepatitis: infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), and canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2).

Infectious canine hepatitis is highly contagious and can be spread through contact with an infected dog's urine, saliva, or feces. It's often seen in puppies and young dogs.

The symptoms of infectious canine hepatitis can vary, but common signs include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. In severe cases, it can lead to liver failure, which is often fatal if left untreated.

Canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1) is another type of dog hepatitis, which primarily affects the liver and kidneys. It's a more common cause of hepatitis in dogs than infectious canine hepatitis.

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Infectious canine hepatitis is caused by a virus called canine adenovirus 1.

This virus targets the lining of blood vessels, the liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs, although other organs are occasionally involved.

Consumption of urine, feces, or saliva from infected dogs is the most common route of infection.

Recovered dogs shed virus in their urine for at least 6 months.

The virus can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated environments, but this is less common than direct contact with infected dogs.

The virus causes immune-complex reactions, leading to longterm kidney damage and clouding of the cornea of the eye, also known as "blue eye".

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If your dog has contracted infectious canine hepatitis, you may notice a range of symptoms, from mild to severe.

Watery discharge from eyes and nose is one of the first signs of the disease, often accompanied by congestion and a slight fever.

Loss of appetite and thirst are also common symptoms, with some dogs experiencing vomiting and abdominal pain.

In severe cases, symptoms can include blindness, bruised or reddened nose and mouth, and spontaneous bleeding.

A yellow, jaundiced look to the ears, gums, and skin is another indication of the disease, often accompanied by eye inflammation and severe depression.

Here are some common symptoms of infectious canine hepatitis:

In severe cases, symptoms can be life-threatening, including seizures and death.

Diagnosis can be a challenging process, but your vet is here to help. Laboratory tests, including antibody tests, immuno-fluorescence scanning, and blood tests, are often needed to confirm a diagnosis of infectious canine hepatitis.

Your vet may suspect infectious hepatitis if your puppy or dog is unvaccinated and has symptoms such as abrupt onset of the condition and bleeding. Routine blood health panels can also reveal chronic hepatitis, allowing for diagnosis before signs develop.

A liver biopsy can provide a definitive diagnosis, determining the severity and type of liver disease. Your dog may need blood transfusions if they are severely ill.

In some cases, an ultrasound scan may be used to confirm the diagnosis, along with blood tests.

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Treatment for dog hepatitis typically involves intensive nursing and feeding, with your dog needing to be kept clean, warm, fed, and hydrated.

A fluid drip is also necessary to replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration. In some cases, a blood transfusion may be required. Your vet may also prescribe medications such as anti-sickness or anti-seizure medication depending on your dog's symptoms.

Your dog will require regular blood work to monitor their condition. Treatment options can range from intravenous fluid therapy to hospitalization.

To prevent dog hepatitis, a mandatory vaccine is the most widely used and important preventive measure. This vaccine is usually given in addition to the canine distemper vaccinations, and your dog will need to receive regular booster shots to remain protected.

Here's a schedule of recommended booster shots:

If your dog is diagnosed with hepatitis, treatment will depend on the results of a biopsy. Your vet may recommend treating the disease with a broad-spectrum antibiotic, anti-inflammatory meds, or immunosuppressive medication.

Intravenous fluid therapy is a common treatment option, and your dog may need to be hospitalized for monitoring and care. Your vet will also require regular blood work to monitor your dog's condition.

If your dog is critically ill, they may need a blood transfusion to help them recover. In some cases, other medications such as anti-sickness or anti-seizure medication may be necessary depending on your dog's symptoms.

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Here are some common treatment options for canine hepatitis:

Your vet will work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment for your dog, and regular blood work will be necessary to monitor their condition.

A mandatory vaccine is the most widely used and important preventive measure for infectious canine hepatitis. Your dog will typically receive this vaccine along with their canine distemper vaccinations.

Most puppies should start their vaccinations between the ages of 6 and 8 weeks, and the hepatitis vaccine is given to puppies at about 7 to 9 weeks of age.

The first booster is usually administered between the ages of 11 and 13 weeks, after which your dog will be protected. Another booster is given at 15 months, then each year to keep the infection away.

Dogs that survive infectious hepatitis are often a risk to other dogs for a long time because they shed the virus in their urine for 6-9 months after recovery.

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The outlook for dogs with hepatitis can be a bit complicated. Even after they've recovered from the disease, they may experience immune-complex reactions that can cause corneal clouding and long-term kidney damage.

Some cases of acute hepatitis can be cured, but chronic hepatitis is a different story. It can't be cured, and dogs with it will need ongoing monitoring and treatment.

Dogs with chronic hepatitis can still live a long, good quality life with minimal clinical signs, but it requires regular care.

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