home Audience 5 Infectious hepatitis in dogs and cats. Toxic hepatitis in dogs: symptoms and treatment. Treatment of hepatitis in dogs

Infectious hepatitis in dogs and cats. Toxic hepatitis in dogs: symptoms and treatment. Treatment of hepatitis in dogs

Viral hepatitis in dogs (canine adenovirus, fulminant liver failure)– seriously contagious viral disease characterized by fever, catarrh Gastrointestinal tract, mucous membranes of organs respiratory system, CNS, follicular conjunctivitis, the development of destructive and degenerative processes in the liver. All dogs are susceptible to hepatitis age groups and breeds. Small puppies aged 1.5 to 3 months are most susceptible. In dogs older than three years of age viral hepatitis diagnosed extremely rarely. Infectious hepatitis occurs in isolated cases and epizootic outbreaks.

Etiology of hepatitis in dogs

Viral hepatitis is caused by a DNA-containing adenovirus type CAV I 9 (Adenovirus caninae). All types of strains have almost the same low virulence. The causative agent of hepatitis is similar to the infectious laryngotracheitis virus. The hepatitis virus is resistant to high, low temperatures, ether, some acids, methanol, chloroform.

Initially, the virus is localized in the endothelial cells of the larynx, pharynx, esophagus, and tonsils. Further replication of the virus occurs in cellular structures various internal organs, regional (submandibular, retropharyngeal) lymph nodes.

The greatest localization of the virus is noted in the cellular structures of the liver. Under the influence of exotoxins in tissues, the development of pathological inflammatory, degenerative, necrotic processes is observed, leading to disruption of the functioning of the liver, central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, and destruction of renal vessels. Multiple foci of inflammation, hemorrhages, and perivascular edema occur. Toxins and poisons secreted by the adenovirus have a destructive effect on the vascular endothelium. Their insight increases.

In nature, wild animals are the reservoir of the virus. Infection occurs through contact of infected animals with healthy individuals. Virus carriers and animals that have recovered from hepatitis release adenoviruses into the external environment through urine, feces, conjunctival secretions, and nasal discharge.

Infection with hepatitis occurs through nutritional means, through the consumption of water and feed contaminated with the virus. The risk group includes weakened animals with a decrease in the body's resistance, as well as dogs kept in kennels under unfavorable conditions. Infection can occur through equipment, ammunition, bedding that was used to care for sick or recovered animals, special clothing, and hygiene items.

The development of hepatitis is facilitated by unfavorable conditions of detention, poor-quality, unbalanced diet, hypothermia of the body, insufficient concentration of vitamins and minerals in the feed, the presence accompanying pathologies and diseases.

Symptoms of viral hepatitis in dogs

From the moment of infection until the first symptoms of hepatitis appear, it can take five to ten days. The disease occurs in fulminant, acute, subacute, latent (latent) forms. A more distinct clinical picture is observed in young animals up to one year old.

In the acute form, dogs are diagnosed with:

temperature increase;

general depression, decreased physical activity;

gastroenteritis;

profuse diarrhea;

yellowness of the mucous membranes and whites of the eyes;

frequent urge to urination, dark color urine;

attacks of nausea, vomiting;

weight loss;

enlargement, hemorrhage of lymph nodes;

disturbance of electrolyte metabolism and metabolic processes;

V stool blood clots and mucus are noted;

unilateral, bilateral keratitis;

enlarged, painful lymph nodes, tonsillitis.

On palpation abdominal cavity dogs report pain and discomfort, especially in the liver area. Because of pain dogs often sit in an unusual position, with their forelimbs spread wide apart. Animals may have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath is noted, problems in the functioning of the central nervous system organs are possible, of cardio-vascular system, namely: rapid pulse, arrhythmia. Due to long-term disruption of albumin synthesis in the liver, hypoproteinemic edema (ascites) is noted in the peritoneal area.

As hepatitis progresses in dogs, severe itching, which leads to scratching on the body. Mucous, unpainted areas skin acquire a jaundiced color. Puppies may have seizures muscle spasms, weakness of the limbs, loss of coordination of movement. Spontaneous abortions and the birth of weak, non-viable offspring are possible in pregnant bitches.

Manifestation clinical signs depends on the form and stage of hepatitis. For subacute, chronic course clinical picture less pronounced. The chronic form is diagnosed in adult dogs. Disturbances in the functioning of organs are noted digestive system, diarrhea, periodic fever, anemia of the mucous membranes, swelling subcutaneous tissue, enlargement, hemorrhage of lymph nodes.

The latent form occurs without obvious characteristic features. There may be a deterioration in appetite, a slight increase in temperature, attacks of vomiting, and dyspepsia. Various factors contribute to the manifestation of symptoms unfavorable factors. In acute, hyperacute hepatitis, mortality in puppies is 90-100%.

TO possible complications include: acute failure liver, glaucoma, pyelonephritis.

Diagnosis of hepatitis in dogs

Given the similarity of symptoms with others infectious diseases, for example, with parvovirus enteritis, toxoplasmosis, canine distemper, leptospirosis, it is mandatory to carry out differential diagnosis. Also in veterinary clinics, abdominal radiography, ultrasound of the peritoneal organs are prescribed, biochemical, bacteriological, serological blood tests, test analyzes (RIF, RN) are carried out. According to the results diagnostic studies veterinary specialists prescribe appropriate treatment.

Treatment of hepatitis in dogs

Complex treatment includes the use of symptomatic, antihistamine, antiviral drugs, antibiotics wide range actions of cephalosporin, penicillin series (ampiox, caricef, fortum, ampicillin). Dogs are prescribed symptomatic, pathogenetic, etiotropic therapy, antiviral chemotherapy, specific immunotherapy.

To normalize liver function, dogs are additionally prescribed decoctions and tinctures based on medicinal herbs- a decoction of chamomile, St. John's wort, coltsfoot, bearberry, yarrow, string, hepatoprotectors are prescribed.

Animals are prescribed specific immunotherapy through the use of hyperimmune sera. To normalize the microflora, dogs are given medications containing lactobacilli and given cleansing and nutritional enemas.

For elimination pain symptoms prescribe analgesics, sedatives medications. To strengthen and activate the defenses, dogs are prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements. complex preparations, ascorbic acid, drugs of group B. Vitamin preparations administered intramuscularly, subcutaneously. Among the multivitamins prescribed are Undevit, Hexavit, Nutrisan, Revit.

To eliminate signs of intoxication, animals are injected intravenously with physiological solutions - Ringer's solution, Ringer-Locke solution, Trisol, isotonic sodium chlorine, and other antitoxic drugs. During treatment, dogs are prescribed therapeutic diet. excluded from the diet fatty foods. If possible, dogs are prescribed nutritional feeding.

Prevention of hepatitis in dogs

The main prevention lies in timely vaccination. Puppies can be vaccinated from 6-8 weeks. Mono- or polyvaccines are used. Repeated vaccination is carried out when the dog turns one year old. They pay attention to the diet, monitor the condition of the dog, carry out sanitary and hygienic measures in a timely manner, and adhere to the established veterinarian vaccination schedules. In case of manifestation of the first, even minor symptoms, you should immediately show the dog to a veterinarian.

Hepatitis in dogs is an infectious disease transmitted from animal to animal. Let us immediately make a reservation that the adenovirus in dogs has nothing in common with human hepatitis, so an infected dog does not pose a danger to people. But for the animal itself, especially under the age of one year, the virus poses a huge danger.

Causes and types of hepatitis in dogs

Infectious hepatitis, which is caused by one of the forms of adenovirus, is not the only form of this disease, although it is the most common. Liver damage that gives symptoms of hepatitis is also caused by:

toxic hepatitis. It is most often caused by long-term use of toxic medications, but liver damage can be caused by the accumulation of metals in the body and poisoning by toxins. In order to avoid liver damage during a course of serious treatment, it is necessary to simultaneously take medications that support the liver. Baking can also cause damage. Some foods contain a large number of harmful substances that can accumulate in the body;
infectious hepatitis(Rubart's disease) is caused by adenovirus type I and is the most common form of this disease.

If the animal does not receive timely treatment, acute hepatitis can become chronic, causing constant suffering to the animal. Chronic hepatitis can last a lifetime, in which case the dog will need ongoing maintenance treatment. With a favorable outcome, the disease progresses to a non-acute chronic form, although in order to stabilize the dog’s condition, hospital treatment may be required. Until the end of its life, the animal must be under the supervision of a doctor and undergo periodic examinations.

Symptoms

The first thing that should alert the owner is a sudden change in the pet’s behavior. The dog becomes lethargic and loses interest in playing and eating. In any case, this is a reason to worry and contact a veterinarian.

Many dogs experience hepatitis before the age of one year in a mild form, almost unnoticed by the owner, which is why 75% of adult animals have acquired immunity to viral hepatitis. But the remaining animals suffer from hepatitis very hard, and puppies up to a year old often die from this disease. The incubation period lasts from 2 to 8 days; as viral or other hepatitis develops, it leads to the appearance of symptoms that clearly indicate liver damage:

The tonsils may be enlarged and the neck and head may swell. It becomes difficult for the dog to swallow, as if he is constantly choking on food. Unlike plague, hepatitis does not affect the lungs, but breathing often becomes irregular;
heartbeat becomes intermittent and quickens;
the temperature rises sharply to 40.3 degrees, even with high temperature may remain active, but die from infection within 1-2 days;
In a third of cases, a whitish film appears on one or both eyes, which disappears after a few days;
the liver increases in size;
a classic sign of hepatitis is the yellow color of the mucous membranes and whites of the eyes;
stool becomes whitish in color;
dark urine;
diarrhea, vomiting;
Paralysis of limbs and convulsions occur in puppies.

A blood test is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Only in this case can you accurately distinguish hepatitis from the list of diagnoses with similar characteristics: plague, lung infections and other diseases.

In the acute form, the signs of the disease are more pronounced, the animal becomes apathetic and lethargic. At chronic form symptoms are less noticeable, with proper supportive treatment the dog can lead normal image life.

Routes of infection and disease progression scenarios

Most infectious agents are found in the saliva of an infected dog, so hepatitis is transmitted through contact, sniffing feces and urine, in which the virus persists for a year even in cured animals. But the virus may remain active for some time. external environment, therefore, the disease is transmitted through shared toys, bowls and in common areas of several animals.

The incubation period of infectious hepatitis is 2-8 days. The disease usually lasts up to three weeks, in most cases the acute phase passes in 2-4 days; with a favorable outcome, the animal develops immunity for life.

The disease can develop in several scenarios:

if a weakened animal is infected, liver damage can lead to death within a few hours. In this case, it is most often not possible to save the animal;
acute hepatitis - a life-threatening condition develops extremely quickly; a dog, especially if it is a puppy, can die within 1-3 days from acute infection. But most animals with proper treatment survive acute hepatitis
chronic hepatitis– a form of the disease with less pronounced symptoms and a slow course, rarely leading to fatal outcome.

Treatment

The optimal course of therapy depends on the form of hepatitis and how the disease progresses.

infectious hepatitis is treated with injections of polyvalent serum. To support the body, immunomodulators (Gamavit, Vitan and others) and restorative drugs (Essentiale, Sirepar) are also prescribed. A course of glucose injections is often prescribed to rapid elimination toxins and body support. Immunity is also supported by vitamins and improved nutrition. Before treatment, the animal’s diet should be enriched as much as possible;
To cleanse the body of toxins, gastric lavage is prescribed (if the cause is food poisoning) and a set of supportive measures similar to the treatment of infectious hepatitis. With timely initiation of treatment, in most cases it is possible to successfully get rid of the consequences of intoxication.

All fatty foods and all foods from the human table should definitely be excluded from the dog’s diet during treatment. The ideal option is complete food; this can make the dog’s food much more expensive, but will protect the liver from further damage. During therapy, the diet can be supplemented with fish and chicken broths. A balanced diet is the main liver-supporting measure for all liver diseases, rely only on drug treatment not worth it.

If an animal suffers from chronic hepatitis, regular walks and moderate physical activity are very helpful. But before the end acute phase diseases, bed rest is indicated.

Do I need to get vaccinated against hepatitis?

It is included in many polyvaccines, so most dogs receive immunity from this disease after routine vaccinations at 2-3 months. Before immunity is developed, it is not recommended to take your dog outside; the period after vaccination, during which walking is not recommended, varies for different vaccines.

Hepatitis is a potentially fatal disease for a puppy, so if the animal is in constant contact with other dogs, it is better to get vaccinated. A dog that has had hepatitis can be a carrier of the infection for a year, so it is very difficult to completely eliminate the risk of a puppy coming into contact with the infection.

You can protect your animal from other forms of hepatitis by ensuring balanced diet by excluding low-quality feed from the diet and not overloading the body with strong medicines. If long-term and severe treatment for another disease is necessary, it must be supervised by an experienced veterinarian.

Hepatitis in dogs is very insidious disease, most animals tolerate it relatively easily. But there is always a risk that your pet will fall into the 25% for whom this disease can be fatal, so if the dog is constantly in contact with its own kind, it is better to get a routine vaccination against hepatitis before starting walks and protect yourself and your pet from unnecessary risk.

Hepatitis in dogs is infectious disease, which is transmitted from one animal to another. Doctors warn that hepatitis in pets does not cause general properties with human illness. If the disease is diagnosed in an animal in early age, then there is high probability death or the development of serious complications. The symptoms and treatment of hepatitis in dogs are issues that should be addressed by a veterinarian.

Types of hepatitis and causes of development

Infectious hepatitis is one of the common forms of adenovirus that is diagnosed in dogs. The animal experiences pathological liver damage, which manifests itself in various symptoms:

Hepatitis in animals of a toxic form. The disease occurs as a result long-term use toxic drugs. Metals accumulate in the liver and poisoning with toxic substances occurs. To prevent liver damage during therapy, it is necessary to simultaneously take drugs that protect this vital important organ. Some low quality feeds contain harmful substances, which tend to accumulate in the body.
Hepatitis infectious form. This disease is also called Rubart's disease. Animals show symptoms of adenovirus type 1.

If you fail to contact a veterinarian in a timely manner acute form hepatitis can develop into chronic. Pets feel severe pain and discomfort. Chronic hepatitis cannot be completely cured, so doctors prescribe maintenance therapy.

If treatment is started on time, the disease becomes a chronic non-acute form. To stabilize the condition, veterinarians recommend inpatient therapy. The animal should be regularly observed by a doctor and periodically undergo comprehensive examination.

Clinical manifestations

The first symptom of hepatitis progression- This is a sudden change in the behavior of an animal. It becomes lethargic and loses interest in games and food. If such clinical manifestations you need to contact a veterinarian. Young dogs easily tolerate the disease under one year of age. Dog owners do not notice any abnormalities in their animals.

As a result 80% dogs receive acquired immunity to the viral form of hepatitis. Other animals experience serious complications. There is a risk of death for the dog. Duration incubation period is up to one week. When hepatitis develops in dogs, the following symptoms may occur:

The tonsils increase in size, the head and neck swell. The animal will not be able to swallow food freely; there is a feeling that they are choking on food. If we compare hepatitis with the plague, then there is no pathological effect in the lungs. Breathing becomes difficult and intermittent.
Heart rate increases.
Body temperature rises sharply to 40 degrees. Even so, young puppies remain active. The owners do not see the symptoms, so the dog dies after 3-4 days.
A film appears on the mucous membrane of the eye white which goes away on its own in 2-3 days.
The liver gradually increases in size.
The mucous membrane and white of the eye acquire a yellowish tint.
Urine becomes cloudy and changes color.
Problems with the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, diarrhea, vomiting).
The stool becomes lighter in color.
Small puppies experience cramps in their limbs.

To confirm the diagnosis it is necessary apply for qualified assistance to the doctor. Blood tests are taken from dogs to determine hepatitis. This disease has similar symptoms to plague, lung infections and other pathologies. The acute form of hepatitis has more severe symptoms.

Animals become lethargic, apathetic, and lose interest in others. The chronic form is an insidious disease that occurs with less severe symptoms or without them. If you contact a veterinarian in time, undergo an examination and take correct treatment to maintain the condition, the dog will be able to lead a normal life.

How does infection occur and the disease develop?

The causative agent of infection transmitted through saliva from an infected dog. Hepatitis - serious illness, which can be contracted through contact with another animal, sniffing excrement and urine. The virus tends to remain viable for one year, even if the animal has undergone successful treatment.

For the first few months, the virus retains its own activity environment. The disease can be transmitted through objects of daily use - toys, bowls. You should be especially careful when visiting places where many dogs gather.

The incubation period of infection is 3−8 days. On average, the disease lasts 3-4 weeks, and the acute period goes away on its own after 5 days. In most cases, young dogs develop immunity for life. There are several scenarios for the development of the disease:

Infection of an animal with a weakened immune system. Liver damage often leads to the death of a dog 7-8 hours after the infection enters the body. In most cases, attempts to save an animal do not bring a positive result.
Acute form of hepatitis. This condition is life-threatening for the dog. at different ages. The disease develops at lightning speed, so there is a high risk of death within the first three days after infection. But if the owner of the animal notices suspicious symptoms in a timely manner and consults a doctor, then the dog is successfully cured and tolerates the disease well.
Chronic form of hepatitis. The disease has less severe symptoms and in in rare cases causes the death of the animal.

Treatment methods for hepatitis in dogs

Veterinarian before appointment effective treatment recommends undergoing a comprehensive examination and tests. They will help you make a correct diagnosis. Treatment for hepatitis in dogs depends on the course of the disease.:

During treatment, the animal must provide diet so as not to burden the liver and gastrointestinal tract. It is important to exclude fatty foods from your diet. And it is also not recommended to feed a dog from a human table. Can be purchased in store specialized food. Usually such food costs much more than regular products. But animal owners must take care of the liver to protect it from further damage.

During treatment, the diet is supplemented with chicken and fish broth. Thanks to balanced diet it is possible to ensure the maintenance of the body in case of damage to the liver and other internal organs. The diet must be combined with drug therapy. If an animal has been diagnosed with a chronic form of hepatitis, then it is necessary to provide healthy and regular walks, moderate physical activity. IN acute period For hepatitis, it is important to provide the dog with strict bed rest.

Do you need vaccinations against the disease?

Vaccination against infectious hepatitis is included in various multivaccines for animals. This is why many animals gain immunity after routine vaccination, which is done at two months of age. Until immunity is developed, it is strictly forbidden to walk the dog on the street, or let it interact with other animals.

Hepatitis is a potentially fatal disease, so if your dog is in regular contact with other animals, it is imperative to get vaccinated. If a dog has already had this disease, it can infect other animals within one year. Therefore, puppies that are born to an infected female become infected after birth. Prevention- This is a balanced diet, excluding low-quality food from the diet. Do not overload the body with strong medications. If the veterinarian has prescribed a long-term and heavy treatment associated diseases, you should consult a qualified specialist.

Hepatitis is insidious and serious illness, so young and strong dogs tolerate it easily. But every pet owner must remember the possible death. It is for this reason that it is recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis at a young age before starting walks.

Attention, TODAY only!

Hepatitis in dogs is a viral disease that is not dangerous to humans. The causative agent of hepatitis is adenovirus. A dog becomes infected in two ways: either through direct contact with a sick animal, or through shared objects - bowls, toys. Viral hepatitis is called Rubort's disease, named after the doctor who described the disease in 1937.

In addition to the viral form of this disease, a toxic form of hepatitis is also isolated. Toxic liver disease (toxic hepatitis) can be caused in dogs long-term use medicines, poor nutrition. Some ready-made feed low quality contain toxins harmful to the body.

It is extremely dangerous to feed your pet food from unknown manufacturers. Owners often believe that a dog's stomach is waste-free production, and therefore give the dog any food. This could be food from the table or spoiled food from the refrigerator.

Also, many owners are guilty of uncontrolled use of medications, including antibiotics. With or without reason, they themselves prescribe treatment to animals, from which the pet’s liver suffers. Among possible consequences taking medications toxic hepatitis is not the best terrible disease. Owners prescribe it to their pets along with antibiotics. hormonal drugs, which leads to steroid hepatitis.

Toxic hepatitis occurs in dogs if they have been exposed to it for a long time toxic substances. These include acaricidal drugs aimed at combating ticks. They are highly toxic.

Another factor that negatively affects a dog’s liver is the presence of worms in the pet’s body. This causes intoxication of the liver with further degeneration.

Symptoms of hepatitis in dogs

The symptoms of viral and toxic hepatitis are similar. Most important symptom which appears in a sick animal - liver enlargement. Experienced Veterinarian able to identify the disease even by palpation.

Typical symptoms for any type of hepatitis:

Yellowness of the sclera and mucous membranes of the eye.
Vomiting bile.
Diarrhea of a characteristic light color mixed with blood.
Urine is dark brown.
The animal is lethargic and refuses to eat.

For the infectious form of hepatitis, the symptoms are more pronounced:

The temperature rises to 40 degrees.
Tonsillitis and pharyngitis develop.
Purulent discharge appears from the nose.
Rapid breathing and shortness of breath appear.
The dog is in pain.
In case of severe internal pain, the animal takes a reclining position, stretching its neck forward.
Important clinical symptom is the appearance of keratitis in the eyes of a dog, another name is “Blue Eye”. This occurs due to inflammation of the cornea of the eye. It becomes rough with a blue tint.
Possible development nervous symptoms, such as loss of coordination, convulsions, paralysis.

Diagnostics

As already mentioned, the first symptom that appears in an infected animal is an enlarged liver. To make an accurate diagnosis, it is not enough for a veterinarian to simply palpate the animal. It is necessary to conduct a number of tests and studies, including:

An ultrasound of the liver will show how enlarged the liver is.
A biochemical blood test based on bilirubin levels determines the presence of liver pathology.
In rare cases, a biopsy of the diseased organ.

Based on the results obtained, the veterinarian makes a diagnosis.

Treatment

Hepatitis treatment infectious nature directed to destruction of adenovirus in the animal's body. To achieve this, the following activities are carried out:

Special immunotherapy is the introduction of specific multivalent sera against adenovirus. The introduction of serums is most effective on early stages diseases.
Maintenance immunotherapy is the use of immunostimulants that act directly on the cellular unit. These drugs are low toxic. Therapy is carried out over 2 weeks.
Hepaprotective therapy – administration of drugs to the animal to protect and maintain the liver;
Antiemetic therapy - the use of Cerucal to relieve attacks of vomiting;
Vitamin therapy - the use of B vitamins to avoid fatty liver disease liver. Also prescribed folic acid to improve metabolism in the liver.
Antibacterial therapy - the use of targeted spectrum antibiotics, for example, amoxicillin, clavulanate, cefadroxil.

If hepatitis is toxic in nature, then cleansing procedures are indicated - gastric lavage in order to rid the body of toxins.

Diet

If you have infectious hepatitis, your dog must follow a diet. It is necessary to limit as much as possible the intake of protein foods (meat, canned meat). The main diet of a dog during illness should be carbohydrate foods (vegetables and cereals).

Course of the disease

Scenarios for the development of the disease can be different:

In the acute form of infectious hepatitis, a quick response from the owners is necessary. If treatment is started quickly and is carried out in the right direction, then the prognosis is favorable. The dog recovers in 5-6 days
In the acute form of hepatitis, if the animal is weakened, the disease develops rapidly and can die in a matter of hours.
At toxic form hepatitis requires timely detoxification therapy. The prognosis is favorable.
With chronic hepatitis in dogs, death is unlikely. It is necessary to constantly carry out hepaprotective therapy to maintain the liver.

Prevention

IN last decades To prevent infectious hepatitis, all puppies aged 1-3 months are vaccinated against hepatitis. After a routine vaccination, the dog must be quarantined - isolated from other animals for up to two weeks.

Viral or infectious hepatitis is a contagious, dangerous disease among animals. It can affect almost all species, both wild and domestic. most common in dogs young. Often leads to death. So what causes the disease, is a cure possible, and how to protect yourself from this scourge? Let's take a closer look.

The causative agent of infection

For the first time, the signs of this disease and the virus itself were described by the Swedish researcher Rubort. For a long time the name of the disease sounded the same as his last name; today this infection is called “canine viral hepatitis”.

In the middle of the last century, the causative virus was already diagnosed in all European countries and in the USA. In Russia, attention was paid to this disease only in 1953.

The hepatitis virus belongs to the adenovirus family, which causes a wide range of diseases in both animals and humans. The family is named after a virus that was first seen in human adenoids.

Infectious hepatitis in dogs is caused by an adenovirus belonging to the first type. Its close relative is the second type of virus, which causes infectious laryngotracheitis. How similar are they? appearance, and the principles of pathogenicity.

The causative agent of infectious hepatitis is capable of long time exist in the environment outside the host's body. At 37 degrees its survival is three weeks, and at a temperature of 4 degrees (preservative) - up to ten months. The virus persists in animal feces for a long time; in summer it can be infectious throughout the warm season. Despite such high survival rates, the virus dies instantly when exposed to agents containing chlorine, phenol, formaldehyde, or when boiled.

Early stage - tonsillitis

Viral hepatitis in dogs is often classified as a disease of puppies. Usually young animals under one year of age are affected. If an adult animal's immunity is significantly weakened, it can also quickly become infected. This is observed more often when helminthic infestations. This type of virus does not spread by airborne droplets, penetrates the body only if it comes into contact with the mucous membrane, for example, upon contact with the feces of sick animals. The virus begins to develop in the tissues of the dog’s tonsils, so the very first signs of the disease include their inflammation - tonsillitis.

Hepatitis in dogs has a huge pathological impact. The vital activity of the virus leads to death healthy cells. Where its concentration is especially high, a focus of inflammation develops. This occurs in all tissues where the virus settles. The effect is called cytopathic.

Penetration into the body

After reaching a certain concentration in the tonsils, the adenovirus penetrates into immune cells, and then into lymphatic system. The inflammatory process begins to develop. From the submandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes with the flow of blood and lymph, the pathogen spreads throughout the body. The main target of dog infectious hepatitis is the liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, intestines, thymus, blood vessels. The main symptom is multiple internal hemorrhages. This is how the adenovirus attacks small blood vessels, and blood begins to pour out. At severe forms lesions in such places develop foci of necrosis, and these are additional sources of toxins.

The liver suffers more than other organs during viral hepatitis in dogs. The pathogen promotes the degeneration of organ cells into adipose tissue Naturally, she becomes unable to perform her functions. In addition to fat, necrotic foci form in the liver, which causes a severe toxic effect. That is why the disease began to be called hepatitis. Symptoms include vomiting yellow color. The reason is that decomposition products, including ammonia, are not neutralized by the liver.

The dog’s immune system begins to actively respond to the activity of the virus, and strong antibodies appear on days 5-7. Work increases cellular immunity. And if the animal’s body copes with the disease, then the animal develops lifelong immunity to viral hepatitis.

Two stages of the disease

Viral infectious hepatitis of a dog usually has two stages in its course. High level mortality is observed in young puppies (up to 1 year). If the animal survives both of these stages, then most likely the outcome will be successful. The first signs of recovery already indicate that the dog will recover.

Stage 1. Acute form of the disease. Lightning-fast development of signs of the disease a day after infection. After this, the activity of the virus decreases.

Stage 2. Acute form. The second peak of adenovirus activity develops on days 3-5 of infection. The stage is very difficult, few animals survive. Treatment outside a veterinary clinic allows only 10% to survive, and in 90% of cases death occurs.

Today, the acute form of the virus is much less common than in the last century. This is explained by the universal vaccination of young animals. Perhaps the adenovirus has weakened. On the other hand, veterinarians predict the emergence of a more dangerous virus in nature.

Diagnostics

The first symptoms in the dog begin to appear approximately a week after infection (minimum 3, maximum 12 days). The following picture is noted:

The dog has lost its appetite.
General lethargy, lies down more, does not play.
A day later after lethargy, diarrhea and yellow vomit appear.
If you examine the pharynx, you will notice swelling of the tonsils - tonsillitis.
In severe forms of the disease it flows clear liquid from the nasal and oral cavities.

Hepatitis in dogs. Symptoms and treatment

Approximately four days after the onset of these symptoms, they begin to appear. secondary signs. They are very clearly expressed during exacerbations:

Temperature rises to 41 degrees.
Frequent shortness of breath, shallow breathing.
Abnormal heartbeat, weak pulse.
Vomiting of bile and yellow diarrhea.
Urine is brown, dark in color.
Jaundiced mucous membranes.
The breath becomes foul with an ammonia-like odor.
Swelling in the chest area.
The animal often sits with its head bowed, legs spread wide.
Convulsions, paralysis, loss of coordination of movement are possible.
Dehydration, severe weight loss.

This is how viral hepatitis manifests itself in dogs. Symptoms and treatment should be known to all dog owners, this will help save your pet. Let us immediately note that assistance should be provided by specialists in veterinary clinics. Treatment requires complex drug regimens, since almost all internal organs are affected by the virus.

Specifics and regimen of therapy

Canine viral hepatitis has specific treatment. It is relevant only for this disease. Hyperimmune serum against hepatitis adenovirus is used. The medicine is obtained from the blood of dogs that have recovered from viral hepatitis. This is the only way to obtain antibodies to this virus. If you are on early stages hepatitis has been discovered in dogs, treatment should be started immediately. By contacting a veterinarian, you will have a chance to save your pet.

After prescribing therapy in a complex according to the scheme, you will be recommended:

Immunostimulants.
Hepatoprotectors to protect the liver.
Lots of vitamins, especially water-soluble B vitamins.
Recovery Tools water-salt balance. Glucose, glutamic acid.
For edema - diuretics.
To prevent bacterial infections- antibiotics.
Antidiarrheal and antiemetic drugs.
The dog's diet should include more vitamins, carbohydrates, and microelements. Proteins excluded.

Prevention

Viral hepatitis in dogs, the symptoms of which are very severe, - dangerous disease, which threatens the lives of pets. That is why all dog breeders should remember about timely vaccination of animals. Vaccines are available to everyone in veterinary clinics and pharmacies, and purchasing them is not difficult. One bottle can protect a dog from several viruses at once. There are many varieties of the drug, consult your veterinarian about which one is best to purchase.

The age of vaccination is generally from two months, this is when the puppies lose the immunity they receive from their mother’s milk.

If viral hepatitis in dogs is detected in your area of residence, you can inject a medicinal serum as a preventive measure. Even if the animal gets sick, the disease will pass in a lighter form.

When walking, avoid contact with feces of other people's dogs. The virus is not transmitted through the air.

If a dog in your home dies from viral hepatitis, thoroughly disinfect all surfaces.

Chronic hepatitis in dogs

In addition to viral hepatitis, an animal can develop other forms of hepatitis. They are not so life-threatening, but they also dramatically undermine the pet’s health. So if you have a dog in your house, it is better to know about these diseases.

What features does dogs have? Long-term liver diseases lead to the accumulation of inflammatory cells, and then to fibrosis. This syndrome has many causes and is often found in dogs. Chronic hepatitis is often called a disease of Dobermans and cocker spaniels. This disease is not independent, but can develop as a result of various damaging factors. This may be a previous viral hepatitis, leptospirosis, severe poisoning, immune-mediated causes, allergic reactions, taking medications, that is, any active negative impact to the liver. If you notice signs of hepatitis in your dog, go to the vet immediately. veterinary clinic for examination. Correct diagnosis, supplied by a veterinarian, and timely treatment will not allow the disease to become severe.

Predisposition to chronic hepatitis

Natural and genetic predisposition to chronic hepatitis is observed in the following breeds of animals:

The average age of affected dogs is 6 years (range: 2 to 10 years). In bitches the incidence is higher.

If chronic hepatitis in dogs is suspected, symptoms usually include the following:

Loss of appetite, anorexia.
Weight loss.
Drowsiness, lethargy.
Diarrhea.
Vomit.
Polydipsia and polyuria. The dog drinks a lot of fluids and urinates.
Jaundice.
Dropsy of the abdomen.
Hepatic encephalopathy.

Acute parenchymal hepatitis

Parenchymal acute hepatitis in a dog is inflammatory processes in the liver stroma, which are accompanied by fatty, granular degeneration, often necrobiotic changes in the parenchyma. Rarely is primary disease, often secondary to gastritis, enteritis, poisoning, and infections. Liver functions are disrupted, carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism changes, barrier function is disrupted, and intoxication of the body occurs.

The liver increases in volume, its edges become rounded, and the vessels become filled with blood. The organ turns an uneven red-yellow color.

Signs of animal illness include:

Liver cirrhosis is a common complication of hepatitis. Timely measures taken curative measures will save your pet.