Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH) or Canine Adenovirus Infection is one form of hepatitis.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis is a highly infectious viral disease. Young dogs have greater risk of the disease, but dogs of any age can contract Canine Hepatitis.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis can cause serious liver disease in affected dogs. Your dog can be infected via the virus being spread in the saliva, urine and faeces of other dogs. Breathing in or ingesting the virus infects your dog.
The symptoms shown by infected dogs vary greatly. Many dogs show no signs at all, the infection in these dogs is mild, however they can still pass the virus on. Some dogs become very ill, showing high fever, inflamed gums, loss of appetite, discharge from eyes and nose, thirst, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. During recovery a dog may develop a blue eye, be sure to let a vet examine the eye. Blue eye can lead to blindness.
Vaccination is extremely effective and safe in the prevention of Infectious Canine Hepatitis. Regular booster vaccinations are recommended.
Should you suspect that your dog has Infectious Canine Hepatitis consult a vet immediately. Treatment will normally consist of antibiotics as well as a program to boost your dog's own natural immunity. Vitamins and nutritious food is strongly recommended. Sometimes it will be necessary to hospitalise an infected dog and treat with intravenous fluids.
Please note the above symptoms, do not necessarily point to Infectious Canine Hepatitis as these symptoms can occur in other conditions. However if your dog shows any of the above symptoms or you have reason to believe that your dog has been in contact with a sick animal, please do not hesitate to consult a vet immediately.
Be sure to vaccinate your dog against Infectious Canine Hepatitis.
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