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Quality Care 698C NICKLIN WAY, CURRIMUNDI, QUEENSLAND Email: [email protected] TELEPHONE: (07) 5493 8222 www.currimundivet.com.au Info-Sheet: Infectious Canine Hepatitis The Virus Infectious hepatitis in dogs is caused by Canine Adenovirus I (CAV-1). The virus occurs in most areas of the world and affects dogs and foxes. It has also been associated with respiratory disease in some dogs. Humans and cats are not susceptible to this virus. The Disease The virus is usually spread by contact with infected dogs or objects that have been in contact with infected dogs. The virus can survive on these objects for up to 11 days and infected dogs may excrete the virus in their urine for up to 6 months. The virus usually enters the body via the mouth or nose, spreading to nearby lymph glands and then throughout the body. It particularly damages liver, kidney, lymph nodes and the lining of blood vessels (e.g. in the eye). Initially, affected dogs develop fever and may develop cloudiness in the eyes ("blue eye"). Liver damage then occurs and may continue for long periods. This is associated with loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and possibly jaundice (yellow gums and eyes). Kidney damage may also occur. Occasionally encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) may occur. Affected dogs may die after 12-24 hours of illness and abdominal pain (which may resemble poisoning) or may die later from chronic liver damage. Treatment As for most viral diseases, there are currently no drugs available to treat the disease once the animal is affected. We can, however, provide supportive care while we wait and see if the dog's immune system is able to overcome the disease. Prevention Infectious Canine Hepatitis can be effectively prevented by vaccination. Puppies should be vaccinated every 4 weeks from 6-8 weeks of age until at least 12 weeks of age. Following a booster vaccination 12 months later, dogs should either be vaccinated or tested for protective antibodies annually. Puppies receive some protective antibodies against CAV-1 from the bitch at birth. These are called "maternal" antibodies. The level of maternal antibodies received by the pup depends on various factors including the disease and vaccination history of the bitch. Bitches should be vaccinated annually. The higher the level of maternal antibodies received by the pup, the longer the pup will be protected against disease. Maternal antibody levels usually drop to nonprotective levels between 6 and 14 weeks of age. Very high levels of maternal antibodies also prevent the pup from responding to vaccination. By vaccinating the pup every four weeks from 6 weeks to 12 weeks, we ensure that the pup will respond to at least one vaccination (preferably two) and we minimise the amount of time that the pup is unprotected against Infectious Canine Hepatitis. If you would like to discuss your dog's vaccination programme, please call in or telephone us on 5493 8222. cvsinfo.4 canine hepatitis