Hepatitis is a liver inflammation disease, and infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a specific viral infection caused by the adenovirus family. infectious canine hepatitis can affect other dog breeds like foxes, otters, and bears, but is harmless to humans. The virus targets the spleen, kidneys, lungs, liver, blood vessel lining, and other organs.
Symptoms can range from fever, thirst, apathy, to death. Chronic hepatitis is associated with Infectious Canine Hepatitis, indicating that the liver has become inflamed and necrosis has occurred. Predisposition to this disease is common in breeds like Chihuahuas, Springer Spaniels, Beagles, Maltese, West Highland White Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Bedlington Terriers, Skye Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and Standard Poodles. Chronic hepatitis can result from an accumulation of copper in the liver's cells, which can damage the liver cells and lead to severe chronic hepatitis if left untreated.
What causes infectious canine hepatitis in dogs?
How is the canine hepatitis virus spread?
Canine hepatitis is a viral infection that is primarily transmitted through the consumption of infected dogs' nasal discharge, saliva, feces, and urine. The virus is present in the urine and nose and eye discharges of infected animals and is transmitted through direct contact. Young dogs are at the highest risk, and signs usually appear within two to five days. The incubation period can be up to 14 days. In older dogs, some ICH infections may go unnoticed or resolve without medical intervention.
What are the clinical signs?
What are symptoms of hepatitis in dogs?
Symptoms of infectious canine hepatitis include a slight fever, low white blood cell count, congestion of mucous membranes, severe reduction in white blood cells, apathy, vomiting, abdominal pain, severe depression, watery discharge, yellow, jaundiced appearance, and a swollen belly filled with fluid. In severe cases, symptoms include bruised or reddened nose and mouth, swelling, red dots on skin, seizures, and death.
Very young dogs have the highest mortality rate for canine hepatitis. The first sign of infection is a fever higher than 104°F (40°C) and lasts between 1 and 6 days. Vets may notice a low white blood cell count and short fever as a clue to the infection. If the fever progresses past one day, other symptoms may also appear, such as enlarged tonsils or inflamed eyes. Brain damage can lead to seizures for severely infected dogs, and bleeding in the brain may cause slight paralysis.
While routine vaccinations are rare, owners must remain vigilant as the disease can develop and progress quickly in both puppies and dogs.
What is the treatment?
Is there a vaccine that can help protect my dog?
Canine hepatitis is a viral infection that can be treated with antibiotics, which are ineffective against viruses but may help treat secondary bacterial infections. Treatment aims to reduce symptoms and allow the dog's immune system to respond, including hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and medications. The ICH vaccine is routinely administered in puppy vaccination programs, and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends vaccinating all dogs every three years against ICH with an approved vaccine.
Diagnosis and treatment involve laboratory tests, blood tests, and immunofluorescence scanning. Chronic hepatitis can be diagnosed before symptoms develop, and a liver biopsy can determine the severity and type of liver disease. Treatment options range from intravenous fluid therapy to hospitalization, with blood work and regular monitoring required.
Preventing canine hepatitis involves a mandatory vaccine, typically given at 7 to 9 weeks of age, followed by booster injections at 11 to 13 weeks. Dogs should receive booster injections throughout their life, with another at 15 months and each year to prevent infection.
The prognosis for dogs with chronic hepatitis is uncertain, as they may experience immune-complex reactions that can cause cornea clouding and kidney damage long-term. While some cases of acute hepatitis can be cured, chronic hepatitis cannot be cured. Dogs with chronic hepatitis require monitoring and treatment to enjoy a good quality of life and longevity with minimal clinical signs.
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