Canine Hepatitis

Canine hepatitis is a highly contagious viral disease caused by canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1).  Dogs of any age are susceptible to this disease.  Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with an infected animal.  A dog with a hepatitis vaccine history and a healthy immune system has more resistance to the virus.  Canine hepatitis is most frequently seen in young puppies.  Direct contact with food bowls or water dishes constitutes transmission from an infected animal to a healthy animal.

Canine hepatitis is transmitted through contact with the saliva, feces, nasal discharge, urine, and blood infected animal.  Canine hepatitis affects the liver, kidneys, and lining of the blood vessels.  An ELISA test can detect the virus in the feces of an infected dog.

Dogs infected with canine hepatitis exhibit a variety of warning signs such as:

• Depression
• Coughing
• Loss of Appetite
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Enlarged Abdomen
• Jaundice

Vaccines are available to aid in the prevention of canine hepatitis.  Puppies between 8 to 9 weeks of age are old enough to begin a series of injections.  Canine hepatitis vaccines are given every 3 to 4 weeks, with the last one administered at approximately twenty weeks.  Thereafter, canine hepatitis boosters should be given at the discretion of the veterinary care provider.