Kristopher’s Pet Blog

Hepatitis is a contagious disease that affects dogs. The virus mainly targets the liver. However, other organs can also be damaged. If treatment isn’t sought quickly, the disease is usually fatal. This condition can easily kill puppies due to complications. This article will discuss canine hepatitis.

Cause

As mentioned earlier, hepatitis in dogs is caused by a virus. The virus that causes this condition is called CAV-1, or the canine adenovirus type 1. This virus is usually transmitted through direct contact with infected objects or animals. Some common objects that can be contaminated include water dishes, stool, and food bowls. Your dog can also get infected due to parasites like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Some dogs become infected by inhaling the virus. This is a much less common method of transmission though.

Symptoms

Hepatitis causes many different symptoms in dogs. They include vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Many dogs also experience a relatively high fever. It’s also common for dog’s stomachs to enlarge. Swelling of the liver will cause the stomach to appear enlarged.

Hepatitis in dogs also causes sensitivity to light. When exposed to light, your dog’s eyes will probably tear up. Blood may also appear in the nose, vomit, or stool in severe cases. Your pet may also have to deal with seizures in dogs. Dogs that experience seizures usually die within a few days. Your dog may die just after he begins to show symptoms of the disease.

Diagnosis

Vets diagnose hepatitis based on signs and a physical exam. Your dog will also have to submit urine and blood samples to be analyzed in a lab. The virus may also be detected in your dog’s feces.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for infectious canine hepatitis. The disease can usually be fought off as long as the dog has a healthy immune system. Methods of treatment include blood transfusions, IV fluids, and enemas. Since the eyes usually become inflamed, your dog may also be given eye drops to get rid of the inflammation. After recovering from this infection, dogs can still shed the virus for months. If you have multiple dogs, you need to be very careful.

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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.

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