This is a highly contagious viral disease that affects the liver and several other organs. It is spread only among dogs (wolves, coyotes and foxes) but is not related to human hepatitis. As symptoms you can expect nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, light-colored stool and an enlarged stomach. These symptoms can be very mild to severe.

When the liver functions are disturbed a large number of serious health issues will be the result. Immediate treatment is required.

Dogs can catch the virus that triggers Canine Hepatitis only through direct contact with an infected animal or contaminated food bowls, feces, etc. Another transmission is possible via fleas and ticks, most likely also mosquitoes. The most contagious time is about one week after exposure when the virus multiplies. The virus first affects the tonsils, the lymph nodes and then passes into the bloodstream. After about eight days it ends up in the liver, kidneys, eyes and other organs. Extensive cell damage can be expected.

Dogs that have a healthy immune system are able to produce antibodies to fight this infection. The virus though will stay in the kidneys and be shed by urination for several months. That causes a thread to other dogs. Most serious is this disease in puppies, but even in older dogs the cell damage can be severe. Most cases are mild in grown dogs and will improve within 2 to 3 days; a puppy though might die within hours without even showing major symptoms. After recovering the liver will repair itself but the dog might become more prone to kidney infections. In any case, this virus will never infect it again. Some younger dogs might show a temporary clouding of the cornea in their eyes that can last several months. Sometimes this so-called “Blue-Eye” can cause permanent eye damage.

Because this disease can cause serious organ damage vets recommend a vaccination against that virus. The vaccine used is also effective against >> Kennel Cough, another contagious illness. Puppies should be vaccinated with ten and then with 14 weeks of age.