Download Info-Sheet: Infectious Canine Hepatitis

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