Infectious Canine Hepatitis

Cause, This highly contagious disease is caused by canine adenovirus. It has no connection with hepatitis in man. Incubation period, 5-7 days, but it may strike suddenly. Transmission, Dogs catch the disease by swallowing material contaminated with feaces, saliva or urine from infected dogs.
 

Mayor signs, Lack of appetite with pale conjunctivae and gums, high temperature, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, Eyes yellowing. (Canine Adenovirus, Canine Viral Hepatitis, Ruharth's Disease) Canine Hepatitis, which mainly attacks the liver, can rapidly be fatal. dogs recovering from the disease may be a source of infection for more than 6 months.
 

Dogs are most commonly affected in the first year of life, but all ages are susceptible. Early signs include general discomfort and lack of appetite, very high temperature, pale gums and conjunctiva, Vomiting-, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Subsequently, the dog may develop jaundice. In some dogs that recover, a clouding of the cornea, known as 'blue eye' occurs, which will usually resolve.

Canine Adenovirus type 2 vaccines provide good immunity against Infectious Canine Hepatitis and one of the components of 'Kennel Cough' syndrome.