Canine Hepatitis
Canine Hepatitis: An Ounce Of Prevention…
Canine hepatitis occurs in dogs who have been exposed to the adenovirus. The condition can often mirror parvovirus in young dogs, as bloody stool and abnormal blood tests often read the same way in both cases. Parvovirus, however, tends to destroy the intestines and stomach lining within days, perhaps a week at the most, and the chances for survival are slim to none. Canine hepatitis, though some of the damage done to the organs can be permanent and ongoing, usually runs its course and is defeated within 3 weeks or less. Unlike human hepatitis cases, this disease can be spread from dog to dog through saliva, feces, urine, nasal drippings, or any other exchanges of bodily fluids.
Canine hepatitis attacks the liver primarily, and can cause an elevated white blood cell count, another similarity to the symptoms of the deadly parvovirus. Fatigue and lack of appetite, belly pain which is usually identifiable by whining and licking at the area, and even some stiffness to the legs may show as the disease progresses in the dog. Fever is almost always present, and there is an increase in nasal, eye, and mouth fluids which can be discolored, cloudy, or thick. Your dog may feel nauseous, and vomiting is rather common as the virus wears on.
There may also be coughing and respiratory distress associated with canine hepatitis. The treatment for this terrible but fast moving virus is only meant for the relief of the symptoms that it causes. If your dog is carrying his tail lower than he normally does, or tucked in between his hind legs you may be facing some sort of illness, and as these types of symptoms gain strength you will want to follow up with your vet. Lethargy and depression are common in dogs who are falling ill, so watch for any signs of distress in order to get him the help that he needs before any long term liver disease has a chance to occur. Fever can be determined by the temperature and moisture level of your dog’s nose. Cool and wet is a good sign, while warm and dry are not at all desirable.
Canine hepatitis is rarely fatal, and those instances which result in death usually involve older or weaker dogs who fall victim to organ injury more easily. There is a vaccine for canine hepatitis, and it is thought to cover for two strains of the disease for up to 4 years per shot. There is no booster required, though it is often given every three years as a precautionary measure. If you fear that your precious pet may have fallen ill to this disease, get him to his doctor as soon as you can.