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.
Learn Holistic At-Home Remedies from Dr.
Andrew Jones by
downloading this "Healing Your Pets At Home" FREE
book Now!
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