Do Dogs Get Hepatitis?
|
And how does this
affect them ?
Hepatitis is actually a very
broad term. It will signify an inflammation of the
liver, although the causes may actually differ. Since
the liver is a very complex and vital organ a disease
that incapacitates it will prove to be fatal. The
liver's primary functions are the detoxification,
metabolism, the storage of glycogen and the synthesis
of plasma protein. It also produces the bile that
aids in digestion. The good news is, the liver is
a large organ with plenty of reserves. The bad news
is, since it has a large reserve, it won't show apparent
symptoms unless the liver is seriously damaged.
|
|
|
Although dogs do get hepatitis,
it may be different in cause and effect from human hepatitis.
There is what is called Infectious Canine Hepatitis. This
disease is caused by a virus, and may prove to be a fatal
disease in some dogs.
What is It?
This disease is caused by the CAV-1 ? an adenovirus. Dogs
typically acquire this virus from contact ? either through
inhalation or ingestion ? of urine, eye secretions, and
nasal secretions of infected dogs. This type of virus does
not affect humans or other animals, only dogs.
The virus will attack the liver, eye, kidney, and blood
vessel cells upon entry into the system of the dog.
Fortunately, not all of these infections are fatal. Some
dogs, after acquiring this virus, will manifest a cough,
lethargy, loss of appetite, moodiness and low grade fevers.
In some cases, they do not show any symptoms at all.
Some will develop "blue eye". Blue eye is a bluish
discoloration of the cornea of the pets eye. Dogs that go
through these become immune to re-infection from the disease.
This will usually be the case in healthy, mature dogs with
a healthy immune system.
However, there are some dogs; especially puppies; that
will become very ill due to the virus. These dogs will develop
internal bleeding, liver disease, tonsillitis, and general
inflammation of the eyes and mouth. If left untreated, this
condition could quickly deteriorate to shock and death.
The virus is also known
to attack the dog's spinal cord and brain.
After infection the virus will take about five days to
a week before manifesting openly. By this time the dog
will be secreting the virus through its stool, urine, saliva,
and nasal secretions. In two weeks time, the dog either
succumbs to the illness or develops chronic hepatitis coupled
with cirrhosis of the liver. This will seriously impair
the dog's capacity for converting glucose, and absorbing
toxins.
This condition will reduce the liver's capability to perform
functions necessary for life. These functions include filtering
harmful and toxic elements from the blood, storing blood
sugar for conversion into usable energy, and creating many
proteins that are necessary in the system.
Unfortunately, there is no way to destroy the virus after
it has entered the dog's system. Veterinarians will treat
the disease by good supportive therapy ? intravenous fluids,
good diet, rest, medicines to lighten the liver's workload,
and good care ? all aimed to strengthen the dog's ability
to recuperate. They will also give antibiotics to treat
secondary infections.
There is a vaccine for this disease. It is a routine part
of a puppy's vaccination plan. And partly due to its efficiency,
the cases of canine hepatitis in the United States are low.
Therefore, the best way to keep your dogs free from this
disease is a proper vaccination plan, and prompt and periodic
visits with the veterinarian.
Canine hepatitis can prove to be a troublesome disease
that, if unattended, will surely result in a dog's death.
With proper information about this disease dog owners will
be able to take preemptive steps to assure themselves that
their pets are safe from this debilitating diseases.
Chronic Active Hepatitis:
As opposed to the previous disease, this form of hepatitis
is harder to treat and the prognoses are not very promising.
This usually occurs in dogs of advanced age. The disease
is caused by other factors such as toxins and molds in the
dog's diet. Infectious Canine Hepatitis can also cause this.
The symptoms of this disease are hard to pinpoint, but
generally they will include lethargy, diarrhea, loss of
appetite, swollen abdomen, jaundice (or yellowing eyes,
gums, and skin). This disease could advance into the nervous
system and render the dog blind.
Seizures, coma and death usually follow.
To avoid this disease, good health habits including a good
diet that emphasizes foods screened for toxins and molds
should be exercised.
Veterinary
Secrets Revealed
Learn how you can treat your beloved cats at home with over
1000 at-home pet health remedies, without going to the vet,
by visiting Dr.Andrew Jones's website here!
|
Dog Health Dog Care
