What is Canine Hepatitis
Canine hepatitis, also known as infectious canine hepatitis (ICH), is an acute liver infection in dogs caused by canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1) (Sykes, 2014). This virus targets the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and blood vessels. The most common symptoms include fever, discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and occasionally seizures or coma (VCA Animal Hospital, 2022).
ICH is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with respiratory secretions, saliva, urine, or feces from an infected dog. The virus can also spread indirectly through food bowls, shoes, or other objects. Dogs that recover from ICH can continue to spread the virus for up to 6 months after recovery (WCrah, 2020).
There are two forms of canine hepatitis – the milder form causes flu-like signs, while the severe form affects the liver. The severe form can lead to liver failure and death, with mortality rates between 10-30%. However, most dogs recover fully with proper supportive care and treatment (VCA Animal Hospital, 2022).
How Canine Hepatitis Spreads
Canine hepatitis is highly contagious and spreads primarily through direct contact with an infected dog’s bodily fluids. The main transmission routes include:
- Saliva – The virus is shed in high amounts in saliva, so activities like sniffing, licking, and sharing dishes and toys can spread hepatitis. (Merck Veterinary Manual)
- Feces – Infected feces and urine contain the virus, so shared spaces can spread it.
- Urine – Dogs can shed the virus in urine for months after infection. (VCA Animal Hospitals)
The main risk factors for hepatitis transmission include young age, crowded conditions like kennels or shelters, and no prior vaccination. Puppies ages 6 weeks to 6 months are especially susceptible as maternal antibodies wane but before vaccination provides protection.
Diagnosing Canine Hepatitis
Canine hepatitis is typically diagnosed based on the dog’s symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic testing. Some of the key steps in diagnosis include:
Physical exam – The veterinarian will check for signs of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and enlarged lymph nodes or liver. These can all be symptoms of hepatitis infection.
Lab tests – There are several lab tests that can check for evidence of canine hepatitis:
- Complete blood count may show an increased white blood cell count.
- Biochemical tests can check liver enzymes like ALT, which may be elevated.
- Urinalysis may show bilirubin in the urine if jaundice is present.
- ELISA or PCR tests can detect antibodies or genetic evidence of canine adenovirus type 1, which causes hepatitis.
- Liver biopsy can also confirm a diagnosis by finding inflammatory changes and detecting viral inclusion bodies.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, “Diagnosis can be made by the use of ELISA, serologic, or PCR testing, and postmortem diagnostics include identification of intranuclear inclusion bodies in the liver.”
With the right diagnostic tests and analysis, vets can usually confirm if a dog is suffering from infectious canine hepatitis versus another liver condition.
Treating Canine Hepatitis
Once a dog is diagnosed with hepatitis, the treatment focuses on providing supportive care and addressing the underlying cause of the inflammation. Some key aspects of treatment include:
Supportive Care:
For dogs with acute hepatitis, supportive care is essential. This may involve hospitalization for administration of IV fluids and medications to prevent dehydration, control vomiting and diarrhea, provide nutrition, and treat any secondary infections. Oxygen therapy and electrolyte monitoring are also important in severe cases. Supportive care for a few days to a week can help dogs overcome an acute bout of hepatitis.
Hospitalization:
Dogs with chronic hepatitis often need hospitalization for initial diagnosis and to stabilize their condition. IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, antibiotics, vitamins and electrolyte supplementation are common treatments during this time. Hospitalization allows for close monitoring of liver enzymes and function. According to one source, the average hospital stay for chronic hepatitis is 4-7 days.
Medications:
Medications play an important role in managing both acute and chronic hepatitis in dogs. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections complicating the condition. Anti-nausea drugs help control vomiting and inappetence. For chronic hepatitis cases, immunosuppressive drugs like prednisone and azathioprine can help reduce inflammation. Antioxidants such as SAM-e, vitamin E and milk thistle may also be recommended. Specific treatment depends on the cause and severity of the dog’s hepatitis.
Preventing Canine Hepatitis
Vaccination is the most important preventive measure for infectious canine hepatitis. Puppies should receive a series of vaccinations starting at 6-8 weeks of age, with boosters every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. Adult dogs need regular booster vaccinations as recommended by a veterinarian, usually every 1-3 years depending on risk factors.
Proper hygiene and sanitation can also help prevent spread of the virus. Kennels and shelters should follow strict disinfection protocols. Owners should wash food and water bowls regularly and not allow dogs to share bowls or toys. Any objects mouthed by an infected dog should be disinfected.
Quarantining infected dogs or those suspected of infection is critical. Symptomatic dogs should be isolated from other dogs for 2-3 weeks beyond recovery to prevent shedding the virus. Newly adopted shelter dogs should undergo quarantine for at least 2 weeks before introducing to other dogs.
Vaccination remains the cornerstone of prevention, but combining vaccination with good hygiene, sanitation, and quarantine provides optimal protection against spread of canine hepatitis virus (Sources: https://www.germantownah.com/site/blog-memphis-vet/2021/03/15/hepatitis-in-dogs-symptoms-treatments-prognosis, https://www.guilfordjamestownvet.com/site/blog-greensboro-vet/2021/03/31/types-hepatitis-in-dogs-symptoms-treatments)
Prognosis for Dogs with Hepatitis
The prognosis for dogs with hepatitis depends on the severity of the disease. Infectious canine hepatitis has a high mortality rate, especially in young dogs. According to one study, the mortality rate can be as high as 20% in puppies under 4 months old who become infected (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151783/).
Dogs that survive an acute infection may develop chronic hepatitis, which cannot be cured. Chronic hepatitis requires ongoing monitoring and management. Dogs with chronic hepatitis may have recurring bouts of illness and face potential liver failure later in life (https://www.wcrah.com/site/blog-flat-rock-vet/2020/10/30/hepatitis-dogs-symptoms-prognosis-treatment).
Some of the potential long-term effects of canine hepatitis include:
- Permanent liver damage and scarring
- Chronic liver inflammation
- Impaired liver function
- Cirrhosis or liver failure
- Death from advanced liver disease
While the initial mortality rate is highest in puppies, older dogs often develop more severe long-term effects. With care and monitoring, dogs may live with chronic hepatitis for months or even years. But the prognosis remains guarded, as there is no cure for the ongoing liver damage caused by the disease.
Hepatitis Risk for Other Dogs
Canine hepatitis is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread rapidly between dogs (1). The most common routes of transmission include direct contact with infected saliva, urine, or feces (2). Even dogs that have recovered from hepatitis can continue shedding the virus in their urine for up to 6 months after infection, putting other dogs at risk (3).
To protect dogs from exposure, it’s critical to isolate infected dogs and thoroughly disinfect any contaminated areas or objects. Vaccination is also recommended for dogs at high risk. Avoiding contact with unknown dogs and their bodily fluids can reduce the chances of transmission. With proper precautions, owners can minimize the hepatitis threat to their pets.
While challenging to contain, a combination of vigilance, vaccination, and isolation of affected dogs can help curb the spread of this dangerous canine disease. Working closely with a veterinarian is the best way to safeguard the health of any dogs potentially exposed.
Sources:
(1) https://animalemergencycare.net/canine-hepatitis-infectious-liver-disease-in-dogs/
(2) https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/disorders-affecting-multiple-body-systems-of-dogs/infectious-canine-hepatitis
(3) https://www.guilfordjamestownvet.com/site/blog-greensboro-vet/2021/03/31/types-hepatitis-in-dogs-symptoms-treatments
Breeds at Risk for Canine Hepatitis
Certain breeds of dogs are predisposed to developing canine hepatitis. According to research by Bexfield et al. (2012), breeds with an increased risk include the American cocker spaniel, Cairn terrier, Dalmatian, Doberman pinscher, and English springer spaniel
A study by the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine also found higher rates of canine hepatitis in Skye terriers, Chihuahuas, beagles, West Highland white terriers, and boxers (Bexfield et al., 2012).
In terms of age, puppies under one year old are most susceptible, though dogs of any age can contract the virus. The median age of dogs diagnosed with hepatitis in one study was 4 years old (Bexfield et al., 2012).
Cost of Treating Canine Hepatitis
The cost of treating canine hepatitis can vary quite a bit depending on the severity of the condition, treatment needed, and other factors. According to WagWalking, the average cost of treating infectious canine hepatitis ranges from $300 to $3,000. More mild cases that only require supportive care and monitoring may cost on the lower end, while severe cases needing intensive hospitalization can cost upwards of several thousand dollars.
Some of the main factors that affect the cost of treatment include:
- – Severity of symptoms and complications – Dogs with severe vomiting, jaundice, bleeding disorders, or liver damage will require more intensive treatment and monitoring, driving up costs.
- – Hospitalization – If the dog needs to be hospitalized for intravenous fluids, injectable medications, round-the-clock nursing care, and monitoring, this can significantly increase the cost into the thousands.
- – Diagnostic testing – Tests like bloodwork, urinalysis, imaging, and biopsies to confirm the diagnosis and assess organ damage can add a few hundred dollars or more to the bill.
- – Medications – Antibiotics, anti-nausea medications, liver protectants and other drugs needed for treatment and symptom management can run $50-100 or more per medication.
- – Supportive care – IV fluids, nutritional support, physiotherapy, and other supportive treatments for dogs with severe illness increase costs.
Pet health insurance can help dog owners cover some of the costs of treating canine hepatitis. But routine vet exams and vaccines to prevent hepatitis in the first place are very affordable and recommended by vets.
Prevention Tips for Dog Owners
There are several ways dog owners can help prevent the spread of canine hepatitis:
Vaccination is critical. Puppies should receive their first hepatitis vaccine at 6-8 weeks old, with boosters every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks old. Annual vaccination is recommended thereafter. Keeping up with this vaccination schedule provides robust protection against the canine adenovirus.
Quarantining new dogs, especially from shelters, boarding facilities or other areas where they may have had exposure is prudent. Keep new dogs separated for at least 2 weeks before allowing contact with your other dogs to ensure they are not shedding virus.
Proper sanitation when cleaning areas potentially contaminated with urine, feces or saliva from infected dogs is important. The canine adenovirus can persist in the environment for months. Use diluted bleach or disinfectants labeled to kill parvovirus to clean any questionable areas.
Avoiding contact with other dogs’ bodily fluids can also reduce risk. Do not allow dogs to share toys, bowls, bedding or other items that may have been exposed.
In summary, vaccination, quarantine of new dogs, disinfection, and avoiding contact with contaminated items are key ways owners can reduce their dogs’ risk of developing hepatitis.