Pet Information > Dogs > Dogs Articles > Health of Your Pet - Infectious Hepatitis in Canines

Health of Your Pet - Infectious Hepatitis in Canines

25 16:18:25

One of the main problems when it comes to infectious hepatitis is that it is extremely contagious. The virus that causes the disease can easily cause problems with the spleen, liver, lungs, kidneys, and eyes. Dogs of any age can fall ill to the virus, but it usually targets puppies less than a year old. Vaccination routines typically prevent domesticated dogs from developing it. The virus really causes problems in wild dogs since they have no vaccinations.

CAV-1, or the adenovirus type one, is responsible for causing infectious hepatitis. Animals can easily become infected with the virus if they come into contact with feces, urine, or saliva from infected animals. Shedding of the virus can occur over a period of months.

One of the main signs of this condition is the development of a fever. In many cases, the nose and eyes will also produce a discharge. Dogs battling this virus will commonly experience abdominal pain and vomiting too. Proper blood clotting may also become a problem for dogs with hepatitis. Many dogs will also have spontaneous hematomas which will cause them to bleed around their teeth.

 

Increased drinking and urination are other signs that dogs have this disease. If you examine the stool, you may notice that it's lighter than normal. Swollen lymph nodes is another problem. Appetite loss, seizures, and jaundice are other common signs.

If your dog comes into the vet's office with any of these symptoms, then he will first do a medical history and physical exam. After examining a sample of blood, the virus or antibodies will be detected. Hepatitis can also cause dogs to have fewer white blood cells circulating through their body and also develop other signs of liver disease. Your dog may also have to submit to an x-ray or urinalysis.

There's no way to fight the virus that causes hepatitis, so dogs will be given supportive care. Dogs are commonly given IV fluids so they don't become dehydrated. Antibiotics will also be useful in preventing secondary bacterial infections. If your dog starts losing a considerable amount of blood because of the disease, then he may need a blood transfusion. To help with the onset of eye pain or light sensitivity, other medications may be given.

Responsible owners will have their dog vaccinated in order to protect against the disease. It's also important to note that the virus that causes this condition is extremely durable. This type of virus is capable of surviving without a host in the environment for plenty of months. You should know that common detergents aren't effective against this virus, but bleach can successfully be used to destroy it.