Andrea Rosebrock 
Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Canine hepatitis is a liver condition that can also affect other major internal organs caused by canine adenovirus type 1. This particular virus is can actually be found worldwide. Unvaccinated dogs are more at risk with contracting infectious canine hepatitis and are known to be more prevalent with puppies less than one year of age.
Transmission – the said virus can be easily transmitted through nasal discharges and dog urine, and requires direct contact with another infected dog. Among the most common sources of transmission are the contaminated cages, runs, dishes, and collars.
Symptoms – the primary target of the virus are the tonsils and the larynx that causes sore throats, mild coughing, and pneumonia. As the virus enters the bloodstreams, more prominent symptoms can be noticed such as cloudy cornea or what is more commonly known as hepatitis blue eyes. In severe cases, the liver and kidneys starts to fail, dogs experiences seizures and vomiting along with diarrhea and extreme thirst.
Treatment and Prevention – like other aforementioned canine diseases, there are actually no specific treatments for canine hepatitis, and only intravenous fluids and supportive treatment are recommended. However, the availability of vaccines that contain adenovirus type 1 to provide puppies and adult dogs with immunity to effectively ward off diseases. There are modern vaccines, such as CAV-1 or CAV-2 available today can cross protects canines from hepatitis and cough. This canine disease is more common in Asian countries than in the United States, with only 4 rabies-related deaths recorded since 1994.
Top 5 Canine Diseases – Know the Signs and Symptoms – Part 1 & Part 2
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