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Canine Hepatitis has often been diagnosed as an infection of the liver and kidneys. This, in fact, is how the disease becomes evident symptomatically, but it is actually a virus that is transmitted by inhaling or injesting urine, saliva, blood or secretions of the nose or eyes of infected dogs. Once in the bloodstream, the virus attacks the major organs and infects the liver and kidneys.

The Bad News
The virus is known as the adenovirus 1 (AV-1) and affects all canines including foxes and wolves. Once contracted, AV-1 must run its course since there is no known treatment to stop the virus. Antibiotics can be given to retard further infections. AV-1 will cause a fever and jaundice in infected dogs accompanied by lethargy, lack of appetite and frequent vomiting. Internal bleeding and heavy fluid discharge (edema) from the eyes is also common. In some cases, degenerative brain functions have also been observed. Dogs that do survive become carriers of the virus and can still pass it to other animals for up to a year after recovering.

The Good News
Because of effective adenovirus vaccines, which are given as part of the “puppy series” initial round of shots by most good veterinarians, the ocurrance of AV-1 hepatitis in the US has become quite rare. The disease is NOT infectious to cats or humans, and dogs with strong immune systems that survive past the second week following the appearance of symptoms will likely recover with the possibility of some lingering affects noted above.

Eternal Question: Booster Or Not?
As often happens with the chance of contracting a dibilitating disease like hepatitis, some people believe that the best prevention is to have annual booster shots. That, of course, is a decision to be made between pet owners and their vets, but puppies at 12-16 weeks normally receive the Canine Adenovirus 2 vaccine (that also works against Type 1) which likely protects them for several years, perhaps for life. Part of dog owners’ decisions should be based on the availability of a Titer test to check for immunity levels against Canine Hepatitis.


Regards,
Henry and Champ


We also appreciate our favorite veterinarian Dr. Ron Hines for providing invaluable professional information used in this article.



The originators of YourPetHealthInfo.com are dog lovers, not breeders or veterinarians. The content on these pages is for general informational purposes only. Any information provided is not veterinary advice and should not be substituted for a regular consultation with a veterinary professional. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, please contact your veterinarian or other qualified professional immediately. All dogs are different. Reported remedies or anecdotal suggestions that may have proved successful (or otherwise) for some dogs, may not necessarily be appropriate for any other dogs. Always consult a veterinary professional before administering any dietary or medicinal products to your pet. For the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Hotline go to the PIP Store page.