Canine Viral Hepatitis

untreatable, so vaccinate

Infectious canine hepatitis is caused by a virus. It can be transmitted directly between dogs in close contact or may be transmitted indirectly via contaminated objects. It results in a serious disease, ranging from mild clinical signs to sudden death. Affected dogs usually lose their appetite, become pyrexic (raised body temperature) and depressed. They may become pale with small haemorrhages visible on their mucous membranes. Vomiting and diarrhoea are common and will often contain blood. Abdominal pain may be apparent due to liver involvement and nervous signs occasionally occur.

Opacity of the cornea (front of the eye) may be seen during recovery as a 'blue eye'. It is not possible to treat the virus itself, but if your dog or puppy shows any of these symptoms, you should arrange for us to examine your dog and start any necessary treatment. If your dog has the disease, early supportive treatment may allow it to make a full recovery, but few dogs do recover. It is possible to vaccinate against the virus and this is vital to prevent your dog or puppy from being infected with this potentially fatal virus. Your dog will need an initial course of usually two vaccinations, followed by an annual booster. See Vaccinations.