All About Hepatitis In Dogs
Hepatitis in dogs is a highly contagious viral disease. The liver is mainly affected by this disease. However, it can also affect various other organs. Here is everything owners need to know regarding canine hepatitis.
Transmission
As you should recall, dogs develop this disease because of a virus. This virus is called CAV-1 or adenovirus type 1. Your dog can become infected if he comes into contact with a dog infected by the virus. The virus can also be passed via body fluids. The virus can also be passed by parasites such as fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks.
Symptoms
This condition comes in two forms, namely acute and severe. If your dog develops the acute form, he will display signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Yellowish eyes, pale gums, and swollen lymph nodes are also common signs. If your dog’s liver also swells up, he may stop eating.
Dogs with the acute form of this disease usually recover after a week or so. On the other hand, the severe form is usually fatal. This form usually causes bloody diarrhea and vomit. Your dog may also bleed from his gums and nose. Comas or seizures may also occur if severe damage is done to the liver.
Treatment
Your dog may have to be hospitalized to treat a mild case of this disease. Since diarrhea and vomiting can cause dehydration, your dog will need intravenous fluids. Other supportive care may also be required.
Prognosis
Unfortunately, dogs with hepatitis won’t receive a specific treatment. Most dogs die within a week from the severe form of this disease. Sometimes, an infected dog can die within mere hours of showing symptoms. Fortunately, the acute form offers a better chance for recovery.
Prevention
Hepatitis can mostly be prevented through vaccination to puppies. Unvaccinated adults can also get the vaccine shot. The vaccine can contain either adenovirus type 1 or 2. Although type 1 is responsible for this disease, a vaccine containing type 2 will also help prevent it.
Your precious pet can be susceptible to many different health conditions such as dog seizures. Fortunately, dog-illnesses.com provides a wealth of information on a range of these conditions. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.
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