Infectious hepatitis in dogs is a contagious and potentially life-threatening liver disease that every dog owner should know about. Many dog owners are aware of the clear and severe signs of liver diseases, such as yellowing of the whites of the eyes and abnormal abdominal swelling. One of the most common and serious liver diseases in dogs is infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), which can have dangerous consequences if not diagnosed and treated promptly. This disease is characterized by liver inflammation and sometimes cellular death (necrosis) and can be caused by factors such as viral infections, poisoning, or copper accumulation in the liver. Awareness of the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods of infectious hepatitis in dogs (Infectious canine hepatitis) can lead to timely and rapid treatment and can increase the chances of recovery. In this article, we will discuss various types of hepatitis, symptoms, causes, and methods of diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis in dogs, so please continue reading.
Understanding Infectious Canine Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a clinical term used to describe liver inflammation. This inflammation has various symptoms and occurs for multiple reasons. Therefore, liver inflammation in dogs is classified as a syndrome rather than a disease with a specific origin. ICH affects liver function in dogs. This disease involves the accumulation of inflammatory cells, which can lead to the formation of additional fibrous tissue and harmful lesions.
Infectious hepatitis in dogs The disease of hepatitis in dogs is divided into two categories:
- Infectious canine hepatitis: Infectious hepatitis in dogs is caused by adenovirus type 1, which is an acute and contagious disease. This virus attacks the spleen, kidneys, lungs, liver, blood vessel coverings, and sometimes other organs.
- Chronic hepatitis in dogs: Chronic hepatitis in dogs is associated with infectious canine hepatitis. This means that for a period (at least a few weeks), the dog’s liver has become inflamed, and necrosis (cell death) has occurred.
The average lifespan of dogs with chronic hepatitis ranges from 18 months to three years. However, if a veterinarian diagnoses chronic hepatitis before excessive progression, treatments can be successful, and in many cases, the disease can be controlled.
What are the causes of hepatitis in dogs?
The most common way dogs become infected with infectious and chronic hepatitis is through contact with nasal secretions, saliva, feces, or urine of infected dogs. This is because dogs that have recovered from this disease shed the virus in their urine for at least 6 months. The causes of hepatitis in dogs are diverse, especially in chronic cases, which can sometimes be idiopathic (of unknown cause). Below are the causes of acute hepatitis in dogs:
- Inhaling toxic chemicals
- Viral infections, such as the herpes virus
Why do dogs get hepatitis?
- Bacterial diseases, such as leptospirosis
- Consumption of certain drugs like nalidixic acid antibiotics
- Mycotoxins present in fungi
- Excess copper accumulation in the liver
- Bacterial infections
Acute hepatitis can affect dogs of any age and breed. Chronic hepatitis usually affects middle-aged dogs and is more common in females.
How is infectious hepatitis transmitted in dogs?
This disease is typically transmitted through direct contact with an infected dog or carrier. Since the virus is present in the urine of dogs, exposure to the urine of an ill dog can also lead to the transmission of the disease.
Dog contracting infectious hepatitis
Keep in mind that even after complete recovery, the hepatitis virus remains in the dog’s body and is excreted through the urine. Therefore, if you are caring for another dog, be sure to separate the ill dog from them and prevent any direct or indirect contact between them.
Signs of liver inflammation in dogs
Liver disease in dogs often presents mild and hidden symptoms, especially in the early stages, with no clear clinical signs for diagnosis. As a result, many people may be unaware that their dog has a problem until the liver is severely damaged. Even veterinarians cannot diagnose chronic hepatitis in dogs until blood tests are performed. However, vigilance and attention to any changes in the dog’s behavior can be a good early indicator. Symptoms of infectious hepatitis in dogs include the following:
- Dog fever
- Coagulation defects
- Decreased white blood cell count
- Mucous membrane congestion
- Severe decrease in white blood cells
- Indifference
- Loss of appetite
Symptoms of infectious hepatitis in dogs
- Blindness
- Enlargement of lymph nodes
- Eye inflammation
- Vomiting (occasionally)
- Abdominal pain (occasionally)
- Severe depression
- Watery discharge from eyes and nose
- Yellow and jaundiced appearance of the skin, gums, and ears
- Swollen abdomen filled with fluid (in chronic cases)
Severe cases:
- Bleeding from the nose and mouth
- Swelling (lymph nodes, neck, or head)
- Red spots on the skin
- Seizures
How is liver inflammation diagnosed in dogs?
How is infectious hepatitis diagnosed in dogs?
Liver biopsy is the most accurate method for diagnosing infectious hepatitis in dogs. By examining fibrosis, the stage of liver disease can also be assessed. Before performing a biopsy, the veterinarian conducts a physical examination, takes a detailed medical history, and performs blood tests to thoroughly and accurately assess the liver. Even if there are abnormalities in the liver, this does not definitively confirm hepatitis or other liver problems. However, it can be considered a starting point for investigation. The veterinarian may also recommend a serum bile acid test to assess liver function. Ultrasound is also another common diagnostic tool to examine the liver and hepatitis in dogs.
How is dog hepatitis treated?
Is it? If your dog is diagnosed with hepatitis, the goal will be to treat the underlying cause, reduce inflammation, and prevent the progression to cirrhosis. Additionally, a range of medications will be prescribed to support the liver, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, supplements, and dietary changes. These measures can boost liver function and protect against oxidative damage to cells and tissues as well as irreversible liver necrosis. A dog with chronic hepatitis requires prompt treatment and ongoing monitoring to maintain a good quality of life and suitable lifespan. Therefore, hospitalization is also one of the treatment options in acute conditions where the dog is under the supervision of a veterinarian.
- For copper-associated hepatitis (CAH), there are specific treatments to remove copper from the liver, and if the dog is on a low-copper diet, copper levels will return to a safe range.
Dog with hepatitis
What are the complications of canine hepatitis?
Hepatitis in dogs has the highest mortality rate among diseases affecting young dogs. The first symptom is a high fever over 40 degrees Celsius, lasting from 1 to 6 days, and usually occurring in two phases. The veterinarian may notice a decrease in white blood cell count and short-term fever, which is one of the signs of this disease in dogs. If the fever lasts more than one day, the veterinarian may observe other symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes or eye inflammation. Due to inadequate blood clotting and increased heart rate, severe and spontaneous bleeding may also occur. Although symptoms related to the central nervous system and respiratory system are rare, brain damage in severely infected dogs can also lead to seizures. Although this disease is less common in areas where vaccination is done regularly, dog owners should remain vigilant. Because canine hepatitis can quickly develop in puppies and adult dogs.
Canine hepatitis
Prevention of hepatitis in dogs
The most important and common preventive measure against infectious hepatitis in dogs is the administration of the canine hepatitis vaccine. Dogs usually receive this vaccine along with distemper vaccines (most puppies should start vaccination between 6 to 8 weeks of age). Therefore, ask your veterinarian how often your dog should receive the hepatitis vaccine. Typically, the first dose of this specific vaccine is given between 7 to 9 weeks of age. The first booster dose should also be administered between weeks 11 to 13. Additionally, to maintain protection, booster doses need to be given throughout the dog’s life. For more information, read the article The Importance of Pet Vaccination.
Summary
Infectious hepatitis in dogs, whether acute or chronic, poses a serious threat to the health of these beloved animals. By being aware of the initial signs, scheduling regular veterinary check-ups, and adhering to a vaccination schedule, you can reduce the risk of your dog contracting this disease and increase their chances of recovery if they do become infected. If you notice any unusual signs or abnormal changes in your dog’s behavior or appearance, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. The Central Veterinary Hospital, with an experienced team of veterinary specialists and advanced facilities, is ready to provide specialized services in treating various diseases, including hepatitis in dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hepatitis in dogs? Hepatitis in dogs refers to liver inflammation, which can be acute or chronic. This disease may result from viral infections, poisoning, or copper accumulation.
What are the symptoms of hepatitis in dogs? Symptoms of hepatitis in dogs include fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, bleeding, seizures, or fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Is hepatitis in dogs treatable? Acute hepatitis sometimes resolves on its own or improves after undergoing a treatment protocol. However, chronic hepatitis cannot be fully cured and can only be managed with anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, and dietary modifications.
Is it possible for hepatitis in dogs to be transmitted to humans? No.
Hepatitis cannot be transmitted from dogs to humans, and this dog disease poses no risk to human health.
Sources: akc.org
