Download Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Infectious Canine Hepatitis
What is Infectious Canine Hepatitis?
Infectious canine hepatitis is a viral infection of the liver which can infect dogs and other canines
such as wolves and foxes. Infectious canine hepatitis can also infect the lymphatic system as well as
the kidneys and eyes.
How do you know if your dog has Infectious Canine Hepatitis?
As infectious canine hepatitis progresses into the various systems of the body there can be a wide
range of symptoms that occur. Some of the earliest symptoms could be:
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Sore throat
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Fever
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Coughing
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Cloudy or bluish eyes
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As the virus progresses and infects the liver and kidney more serious symptoms can occur:
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Lack of appetite
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Jaundice
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Increased thirst
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Seizures
How do dogs get infected with Infectious Canine Hepatitis?
Infectious canine hepatitis is spread through the urine, blood, saliva and nasal discharge of infected
animals. The virus usually infects the dog through the nose or mouth where it infects the lymphatic
tissue of the tonsils and then spreads into the blood and then into the liver and kidneys.
How do you protect dog from getting infected with Infectious Canine Hepatitis?
www.spca.org.tw
The very best way to prevent your dog from becoming infected with infectious canine hepatitis is to
have them vaccinated. Vaccination is recommended in puppies between the ages of 6 to 10 weeks
and is given in a series of three shots 3 to 4 weeks between each.
If you have an unvaccinated dog, you should not allow them to interact with stray or unknown
animals as infectious canine hepatitis is extremely contagious.
What do you do if you suspect your dog of having Infectious Canine Hepatitis?
If you suspect your dog has infectious canine hepatitis you should immediately separate them from
all contact with other dogs. You should then do a thorough cleaning of all areas your dog has had
contact with. Take your dog to a veterinary care professional as soon as possible.
www.spca.org.tw