Canine Infectious Hepatitis

Canine Infectious Hepatitis
By Ron Swerdfiger

www.web-rover.com

What is Canine Infectious Hepatitis?

The word hepatitis refers to an inflamation of the liver. First reported in 1947, Canine Infectious Hepatitis (CIH), is a caused by canine adenovirus. Almost every dog will come in contact with the virus at least once in their life time. The virus may pass through the dog, causing little to no adverse effects, or the virus may be so severe, the dog will die within hours of initial symptoms.. CIH effects the liver, lymphoid system and blood vessel walls.

How Can Canine Infectious Hepatitis Spread?

Most often CIH is spread through direct contact with the virus usually through urine, feces or saliva. Though direct contact with an infected dog is the most common transmission of CIH, bites from mosquitoes, fleas, and tics are also know to transmit the virus. The incubation period of the virus is only a few weeks, however, CIH can be passed through the urine up to one year after infection.

What Are The Symptoms Of Canine Infectious Hepatitis?

Depending on the severity of the infection symptoms can include

Minor symptoms
- loss of appetite
- pale feces
- fever
- nasal and eye discharge
- coughing
- temporary corneal opacity