Infectious hepatitis in dogs symptoms and treatment. Nutritional hepatitis in dogs - causes and development. Hepatitis Treatment in Dogs

Among all canine diseases a special place is occupied by viral hepatitis in dogs. This pathology is also called adenovirus or fulminant liver failure, is very serious, and has many unpleasant manifestations.

Viral hepatitis can affect both a puppy and an adult dog, but the younger the dog, the more susceptible it is to this disease. Fatal outcome for a puppy is also more likely. In the article, we will consider the features of the disease, find out what causes and symptoms of hepatitis in a dog, and figure out how to treat a dangerous pathology.

Description of the disease

Hepatitis in dogs was first described in 1937 by a Swedish biologist named Rubord. Therefore, sometimes you can still find the name of the pathology as "Rubart's disease." In our country, the disease was officially recognized and began to be treated in 1983.

viral hepatitis, striking dogs is dangerous and serious illness negatively affecting the liver. Although the disease can affect an adult dog, it is still more dangerous for puppies. If the dog has already reached three years, we can say that from the risk zone viral hepatitis he came out: after overcoming the three-year age limit, a dog becomes ill with pathology extremely rarely.

The disease is caused by an adenovirus that is resistant to temperature extremes, as well as the effects of acid, ether, chlorine and methanol. It is almost impossible to disinfect a dog enclosure with such a high persistence of the virus.

The dog becomes infected through food and water. The virus enters the body, after its further introduction and development occurs in the liver, it affects the disease and lymph nodes. Under the influence of the virus in the body of the animal, the following processes occur:

• inflammatory nature;
• necrotic;
• degenerative etc.

As a result of the processes in the dog, the work of the liver is seriously disrupted, the central nervous system is affected, digestive tract, and kidneys suffer. Toxins and decay products as a result of exposure to the virus also affect the vessels, increasing the permeability of the latter.

If the disease occurs in dog kennel, then with the rapid spread of the virus, up to 75% of the livestock can get sick. Moreover, the death rate in such cases is about 35% of all cases. In this case, infection cannot occur by airborne droplets, which largely stops possible epidemics.

Most dog owners now vaccinate their pets, so cases of acute viral hepatitis among domestic dogs are on the decline.

Ways of infection

Direct infection occurs through contact healthy dog with the patient. As sick individuals, vagrants usually act. street dogs. Canine viral hepatitis can be transmitted through the urine, feces, other waste products and excretions of diseased animals.

Infection can occur without direct contact with a carrier of the virus. Pathogenic microbes can be in the water and food of the animal. food way usually infected dogs with a weakened immune system, because the body healthy dog able to cope with a fairly weakened adenovirus. Animals that are kept in unfavorable conditions also often get sick.

Adenovirus can also be transmitted through household items: bedding, bowls, toys used by a sick dog. Adenovirus develops at a much faster and more rapid pace when the right conditions are created for this: the dog does not eat well, its diet is unbalanced, the animal is kept in a poorly equipped, dirty enclosure, has poor immunity initially in poor health.

Symptoms of viral hepatitis

Note that the incubation period of the disease lasts from 5 to 10 days. The disease itself, after the incubation period expires, develops literally at lightning speed. Dogs under one year of age are most severely and acutely ill with infectious hepatitis. Consider typical symptoms diseases.

The acute form of the disease is always accompanied by a high temperature against the background of a general decrease in the activity of the animal, its depressed mood, apathy, lethargy, as in hydrocephalus.

The dog may have problems with the gastrointestinal tract: gastroenteritis, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and other manifestations. The body weight of the animal decreases, the appetite decreases.

The whites of the eyes become yellowish. it typical feature hepatitis, including for humans. The vomit and skin of the animal also acquire a yellow tint. The dog begins to urinate frequently, the color of the urine darkens.

The dog is breathing heavily and noisily. If decay processes have begun in the body due to intoxication, the animal's breath may acquire a fetid ammonia character. During this illness, the dog often adopts a characteristic posture: sitting, head bowed down, front legs wide apart.

When the animal walks, there is a noticeable lack of coordination of movements. If it is necessary to turn, the dog can "carry". AT severe cases hepatitis can cause cramps in the limbs and even paralysis. Paralysis in this case is temporary.

The dog is exhausted. Lack of appetite along with frequent vomiting and diarrhea does not pass for the animal without a trace. AT feces animal can be found blood clots, bile.

The animal may develop conjunctivitis with purulent discharge and lacrimation. The pulse quickens, shortness of breath occurs, the heart begins to beat faster. In an animal, the lymph nodes increase, and become painful when pressed.

If a palpation examination is performed, the dog may react negatively to pressure on the abdominal cavity. In this area, there is a high probability of occurrence of unpleasant pain and also in the area of ​​the liver. With the progression of the disease, a symptom such as itching of the skin appears. Sometimes this symptom leads to severe scratching on the dog's body.

Veterinarians also rank multiple internal hemorrhages in an animal as the main signs of viral hepatitis. However, the symptom can only be detected with an x-ray. In part, the occurrence of hemorrhages may be indicated by blood inclusions in the secretions of the animal. If viral hepatitis affects the bitch during pregnancy, puppies are born in most cases unviable.

The acute course of the disease is characterized by lightning-fast development and a gradual decrease in the activity of the virus. If the animal is not treated at this stage, the disease will move into the second acute phase, which is much more severe than the first and often ends in death.

Untreated viral hepatitis after the acute phase can become chronic: in this case, periods of exacerbation will be replaced by remissions. Note that chronic hepatitis affects mainly adult dogs. Young animals and puppies get sick acutely.

Complications

Viral hepatitis is dangerous for dogs not only for its unpleasant symptoms, but also for the consequences that it leads to in an advanced form. Consider what complications can develop due to viral hepatitis in dogs:

• pyelonephritis or predisposition to this disease;
• glaucoma of the eye;
• liver failure in acute form;
• septicemia;
• renal acute failure;
• chronic hepatitis;
• blood clotting disorder.

And this is not to mention the fact that the disease often leads to death. Complications of the disease are quite serious, so it is necessary to take comprehensive measures to save the animal, and without delay.

Diagnosis of hepatitis in a dog

Only a doctor with a veterinary education can establish that a dog has become ill with viral hepatitis. To accurately diagnose, the doctor needs to take into account several important factors, compare all the symptoms, take the required tests, conduct an external examination of the animal.

Only accurate data laboratory research blood, urine and feces of the animal will help to assert with confidence that in this case the dog has hepatitis, and not distemper, intestinal upset or other diseases.

To make sure the diagnosis is correct, most often they carry out the so-called differential diagnosis diseases. In addition, sometimes x-rays, an ultrasound procedure of the digestive organs are required. The blood is also subjected various analyzes: biochemical, serological, infectious, test.

Treatment of viral hepatitis

Hepatitis in dogs is treated with complex measures. The following types of drugs are used in therapy:

1. antihistamines;
2. antibacterial;
3. antiviral;
4. symptomatic.

Recovery normal operation animal liver water herbal decoctions with chamomile, St. John's wort, yarrow, succession. Also normalization hepatic function contribute to hepatoprotective drugs.

For the implementation of immunotherapy, the animal is given hyperimmune sera specific purpose. To normalize the microflora of the body, drugs with lactobacilli are prescribed, and enemas are also given. As antibiotics, drugs are used: penicillin, ampioks, ampicillin, kefzol, cinnamon and others. As a rule, it is necessary to administer antibiotics to a dog 2-3 times a day by injection.

Mandatory in the treatment of viral hepatitis in dogs is the use of antihistamines. In this capacity they usually act the following drugs: Tavegil, Dimedrol, Fenkarol, Suprastin.

Of the vitamin preparations, the following are used: ascorbic acid, Vikasol, Ascorutin and preparations containing B vitamins. Vitamin injections can be administered both subcutaneously and intramuscularly. You can also use multivitamin preparations: Undevit, Revit, Geksavit, Nutrisan, Polivit, etc.

In addition to the drugs already listed, other drugs are sometimes used:

1. antipyretic;
2. antiemetics;
3. glucocorticoids;
4. cardiac;
5. painkillers and other situations, respectively.

If an animal has inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye, instillation of mineral solutions will be required: n-catalin, vitaminodurol, etc. As a rule, to eliminate conjunctivitis, it is necessary to instill drugs 2-3 times a day until complete elimination unpleasant symptom. If the animal has severe pain symptoms, analgesics are prescribed.

To strengthen the body and raise immunity, vitamin therapy is carried out, including vitamins C, group B. As a rule, vitamins in this case are not taken by the dog through food, but are injected into it.

If symptoms of intoxication of the body are found, the dog is prescribed drugs such as Ringer's solution, Trisol, Ringer-Locke. It is possible to introduce other antitoxic solutions - this is decided by the veterinarian, based on the situation.

To cleanse the intestines of a dog, it is necessary to give her enemas. As solutions for enemas, weak infusions of chamomile, St. John's wort, and other suitable medicinal herbs with an anti-inflammatory effect are suitable. Enemas should be given more often: 3-4 procedures per day are recommended.

In addition to medicinal herbs, potassium permanganate, furatsilin, boric acid. After a dog cleansing with hepatitis, it is recommended to give a nutritional enema, since the animal's appetite during this period is extremely poor. Glucose or soda solutions, as well as low-fat beef broth, serve as the basis for a nutrient enema.

For the duration of the treatment, the dog must be placed in a separate, warm and well-ventilated room: it is important that there are no drafts and bright light in the room. The affected animal must be kept at rest. During the treatment of viral hepatitis, the dog must comply special diet: completely removed from the animal's diet fatty foods, including meat. The menu should include as many complete protein foods as possible.

It is necessary to observe safety rules when treating sick animals. At the first symptoms of viral hepatitis, the dog must be placed in a separate enclosure, and in the general enclosure, a complete disinfection should be carried out, things and objects used by the sick animal should be removed.

When the animal recovers, you can a short time notice such interesting feature remissions, like "blue" or "blue eye". The sign is accumulated at the bottom eyeball animal protective cells-antibodies. Seeing your pet like this " blue eye”, you can breathe a sigh of relief: the animal is clearly on the mend.

Prevention of hepatitis

The main way to protect a dog from infection with viral hepatitis is to vaccinate the animal on time. Dogs can be vaccinated as early as 6-8 weeks of age. Secondary vaccination is carried out when the animal is one year old. After the secondary vaccination, the dog should be vaccinated against hepatitis every year.

For vaccination, they use: Vanguard made in Belgium, Hexadog from France, Czech Kanvak, Dutch Nobivak and other drugs. A veterinarian who vaccinates in the clinic will be able to advise you on the most effective of them.

In addition to vaccination, proper nutrition: should be all essential minerals and vitamins. The hygiene of the animal is also important, as well as the premises where the dog is kept. It should be borne in mind that adenovirus is resistant to many disinfectants, including the popular bleach. However, the microbe dies under the influence alkaline solutions, lime, formalin, phenol. It does not tolerate adenovirus and exposure to high temperatures: it dies already when the temperature rises to +38 degrees.

Poor appetite leads to weakness

Canine infectious hepatitis, also known as viral hepatitis or Rubart's disease, is a contagious disease(in other words, they can become infected through touch), which is characterized by damage to the central nervous system (central nervous system) and severe inflammation in the liver and gallbladder.

Dogs of all ages are affected, but puppies are more commonly affected than adult dogs. The percentage of deaths is 30-40%. The incubation period lasts from 2 to 10 days. The virus itself, which provokes the onset of the disease, is very stable - it can persist for a crescent. For everyone who has undergone infectious hepatitis develops immunity that is valid for a long time.

Most often, stray animals become carriers of infection. Infection pet, as a rule, occurs through the gastrointestinal tract, that is, through food, water. Be sure to make sure that your pet does not try to eat what he found on the street! Clothing and pet care items are also often contaminated.

Many people wonder if hepatitis in dogs is contagious to humans? We hasten to reassure you: no, a person cannot contract this disease.

Symptoms of the disease

The main symptoms of the disease include:

• temperature rise,
• loss of appetite or complete absence,
• intense thirst,
• vomiting, diarrhea,
• lethargy and weakness.

An infected dog quickly loses weight, she begins to have eye problems (corneas become cloudy, conjunctivitis develops). Animal urine acquires more dark color. Immediately before death, the dog may be in a coma.

Viral hepatitis in dogs, the symptoms of which are listed by you, comes in four forms: latent, fulminant, chronic, and acute:

1. Latent - consists in isolating the virus without signs of disease, i.e. the dog is a carrier of the virus, but does not get sick. Meanwhile, he may get sick if his the immune system suddenly weaken.
2. Fulminant - occurs most often in young and unvaccinated puppies under six months of age. With this form, death can occur suddenly, literally within one or two days.
3. Acute - lasts from 2 to 14 days, while the sick individual is thirsty, poor appetite, heat, intestinal disorders such as vomiting and diarrhea. Eye problems (conjunctivitis) are also possible. The excreted urine becomes dark yellow, and some areas of the skin turn yellow. The acute form is typical for young, unvaccinated dogs under the age of 6-7 months.
4. Chronic - does not differ in special signs. In addition to those listed above, the dog gradually loses weight, becomes more lethargic and less active.

Hepatitis is very dangerous for both large dogs and small breeds. At the first sign of it, it is recommended to immediately consult a veterinarian!

How is this disease treated?

Viral hepatitis in dogs, which is usually highly effective, is only definitively determined after a blood test. Then, if the diagnosis is confirmed, the following drugs are prescribed:

• Suprastin, Diphenhydramine and other antihistamines that can prevent the occurrence of dangerous allergic reactions;
• Vitakan or Giskan (as a rule, they are administered once a day for three days, and the right dosage determined by the attending physician);
• Immunofan, Cycloferon or other immunomodulators;
• Essentiale is used to preserve the affected liver.

Also, if necessary, antipyretic, sedative, antiemetic and painkillers are prescribed.

Toxic substances are removed from the intestines by means of enemas with the addition of herbal decoctions.

The owner of a sick pet is recommended to place it in a warm and not blown corner, to ensure peace. It is necessary to feed the dog with special therapeutic food, or simply transfer it to a more dietary diet (everything sugar-containing and fatty is excluded). You can give light and lean broths. More detailed instructions should be given by the doctor, since the menu is compiled based on the well-being and characteristics of the patient. In addition, the veterinarian prescribes a complex of essential vitamins.

If the dog is in serious condition, he is given medicinal droppers, which are repeated until a noticeable improvement in the patient's condition.

Treatment of infectious hepatitis in dogs with the above symptoms often results in complete recovery of the patient, but it is still much wiser to prevent the onset of the disease, that is, to take time for preventive measures.

Prevention of the disease consists in vaccination against infectious hepatitis (included in polyvalent (complex) vaccines). But it is always necessary to strictly observe the vaccination periods indicated by the manufacturer. For a dog that has been vaccinated, the risk of infection is greatly reduced.

Hepatitis in dogs is a very serious and dangerous disease. The sooner a pet is diagnosed, the greater the chance that treatment will pass successfully. Today we will talk about the types, causes, symptoms and treatments for hepatitis in dogs.

It is acute and chronic. At the first sight, all the symptoms of hepatitis in a dog are bright, noticeable. In the second case, the “clinic” is blurred and practically invisible. Periodically chronic course the disease worsens, and it is at this time that the signs of hepatitis in a dog become most noticeable.

Primary and secondary hepatitis still happens. Primary is also called toxic. But the secondary develops due to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection in the mustache.

Infection

Infection. The most common type of hepatitis in dogs is viral. More precisely, adenovirus leads to pathological changes in the liver. But if the owners take care of their pet on time (vaccinate according to age), then the risk of the dog getting viral hepatitis (and, consequently, his death) is reduced to almost zero. However, in addition to adenovirus, there is great amount pathogens of infectious sores (plague, piroplasmosis, leptospirosis and others).

Poisoning

It is not necessary for the dog to eat something bad (spoiled food, with mold or with poison) in order to get poisoned. Medicines also destroy and lead to inflammation of the liver. Heavy metals, poisons of insects or snakes, dangerous plants, household chemicals and others can lead to disruption of the work of this body.

Ways of infection with hepatitis

The saliva of an infected dog contains most of the infectious agent. Therefore, most often the transmission of hepatitis by dogs occurs in the case of contact. Another animal can get sick by sniffing urine and excrement, and in them the virus is in a state of activity for up to a year. But certain time The virus also lives in the environment. Therefore, the likelihood of infection through dishes, toys, etc. is also quite high.

The scenario of the course of the disease

In infectious hepatitis, the incubation period lasts no more than a week. Clinical manifestations may appear as early as the third day. The disease lasts about three weeks and, if successful, the dog receives lifelong immunity.

The disease scenarios are as follows:

1. If the disease affects weak dog, the pet can die within a few hours. There is little chance of a favorable outcome in this case.
2. Acute hepatitis. An acute infection is enough for a day to kill a dog. Especially if we are talking about puppies. But most of pets survive if the right treatment is applied in a timely manner.
3. Chronic hepatitis in dogs. This form of the disease has less severe symptoms and a slower course. Lethal outcome is rare.

Symptoms

Enlarged liver

In a healthy barbel, this organ does not protrude beyond the last rib (with right side). The inflamed liver extends beyond the costal arches. With a slight increase in the organ, it is not always possible to probe it, however, after the ultrasound, changes in size will be visible. Often the liver is so huge that during palpation and percussion of the right hypochondrium, the animal gives all the signs of pain (whining, bending over, moving away from the doctor).

Liver dysfunction

All liver functions are impaired. The inflamed organ is not able to perform its functions in full. Therefore, knowing about them, one can suspect serious problems with the health of his mustache.

Yellowness

Yellowness of the sclera, visible mucous membranes and skin in a dog is a sure sign of hepatitis. In chronic hepatitis (or at the very beginning of the disease), yellowness is mild. In addition, it does not always indicate hepatitis. This can be cirrhosis of the liver in a dog, and blockage of the bile ducts by stones, and other liver diseases.

Vomiting and diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea. They are light, with bile. Then blood appears in them, due to which their shade becomes brown.

Other symptoms

Other symptoms of hepatitis in dogs:

• Because of the bile pigments, which are already in excess in the blood, the urine becomes dark, brown. But feces, on the contrary, are almost colorless.
• Body temperature may rise.
• Heartbeat is arrhythmic.
• At the beginning of the disease, there is a poor appetite, lethargy. Suggest that the problem is with the liver, maybe biochemical analysis blood.

Signs of viral hepatitis in a dog are as follows: temperature up to 41 degrees, vomiting and diarrhea. The tonsils are very inflamed, so much so that the dog cannot swallow anything properly. Therefore, it is also difficult for the mustache to turn its head. The neck may even swell. If you look at the eyes, then clouding of the cornea (keratitis) is noticeable. Sometimes only in one eye, but more often in both eyes.

Diagnostics

Even an experienced veterinarian will not be able to immediately give an unambiguous analysis in the case of hepatitis. Research required complete history disease, compiled from anamnestic data, examination of the animal and the results laboratory tests for blood testing. Among other things, sometimes a biopsy is also performed.

The doctor needs to find out if the animal is sick with any infectious disease which can show a similar clinical picture. Also, X-rays are used to analyze how much the liver is enlarged.

Treating a dog with hepatitis

How to treat hepatitis in a dog? The disease, you understand, is not simple and the treatment should be complex:

• Treatment of a dog with hepatitis begins with a diagnosis. With a viral disease, it is necessary to start specific (hyperimmune sera) and symptomatic treatment as soon as possible.
• Hepatoprotectors are prescribed, which allow you to restore at least a little liver. Antibiotics will also be needed (but only the veterinarian prescribes the name, dosage and duration of the course).

Droppers with glucose and ascorbic acid or saline solutions with Riboxin are also good. But this is not the main therapy, but only supportive, in order to reduce the concentration of toxins and bile pigments in the blood, as well as help liver cells regenerate faster.

Possible complications

An adult dog that has had hepatitis can get the following complications:

• infertility, premature birth, fetal death before birth;
• increased predisposition to pyelonephritis;
• some violation of the functions of digestion;
• acute insufficiency of the liver, kidneys;
• hepatic encephalopathy;
• development of glaucoma;
• cirrhosis of the liver.

Diet for a dog with hepatitis

A dog with hepatitis special food. Keep proteins to a minimum fatty foods and completely exclude (this is an additional blow to the liver). More carbohydrates, clean water (add some powdered glucose to it, you can sugar, but a little). If the dog is on dry food, then look for a specialized one (for dogs with a diseased liver or digestive organs with a minimum of protein, without soy).

Prevention of hepatitis in dogs

Prevention of hepatitis in a dog includes vaccinations (starting in puppyhood, then annually "renewing" vaccinations), avoiding contact with toxins / bad food. Do not self-medicate. Do not increase the dosage of the drug and the duration of the course of treatment on your own (a blow to the liver, especially when it comes to antibiotics or "illicit drugs"). Many medicines for dogs are completely prohibited. Visit the vet. Donate blood biochemistry (at least once every six months).

For the prevention of hepatitis in dogs, it is required:

1. Careful tracking of pet contacts with other animals and control over the food consumed per day. The same applies to drinking.
2. Timely disinfection of the place where the dog is kept and care items.
3. Proper feeding and maintenance of four-legged pets.

Every dog ​​owner should remember that hepatitis detected in a timely manner can be cured faster and more reliably. Therefore, the first signs of an animal’s malaise are a reason to visit qualified specialist. Do not self-medicate, under any circumstances. After all, greased clinical picture disease will complicate subsequent diagnosis, as well as contribute to the development of complications, which can lead to death of the pet.

Details about viral diseases in the video:

Do you have any questions? You can ask them to our website staff veterinarian in the comment box below, which in as soon as possible will answer them.

Etiology
Canine adenovirus type 1 is a DNA virus that causes liver cell death and vasculitis. Although it was formerly common, it is now rare due to its ubiquitous use. effective vaccines. It is antigenically related to canine adenovirus type 2, and cross-immunity between these species is possible. Calcivirus type 1 is a moderately resistant virus that persists in the environment for several months; in conditions of high humidity and temperature loses infectivity. The virus is completely inactivated at 56°C; steam or quaternary ammonium compounds can be used for disinfection.
Dogs with a high titer of virus-neutralizing antibodies in serum are characterized by an asymptomatic course of infection. Dogs that do not have antibodies or have them in low titers may develop acute deadly disease. It is suspected that dogs with an average titer may develop chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis after infection with the virus.

Pathogenesis
After penetration of the virus through the oropharynx, the calcivirus infects the tissue of regional lymph nodes, including the tonsils, and replicates in them. Hepatocytes and reticuloendothelial cells of other systems become infected due to viremia and a second wave of replication occurs. When the viral particles are released, the cells are lysed; this process of cell necrosis and due to clinical manifestations. During the acute phase of infection, the virus can be isolated from faeces, urine, oropharyngeal secretions, and blood. For more late stages the virus is localized in the cells of the tubules of the kidneys and up to one year can be excreted in the urine. Pollution environment plays a greater role in the spread of infection than contact with sick animals.

Clinical signs
Duration incubation period 4-7 days, and all dogs that do not have antibodies are susceptible to the disease. The initially occurring fever usually disappears after 24 hours, and in mild cases fast recovery. In moderately severe and severe cases, after 24-48 hours, the fever increases, which corresponds to the development of viremia. This is accompanied by more oppression, lethargy and unwillingness to move. On fig. 11.6 lists the clinical signs associated with damage to target organ cells that occur at this and subsequent stages. If there are signs of a multisystem lesion, the prognosis is cautious. Sometimes there is a hyperacute course, in which death occurs suddenly without any clinical manifestations.

Clinical signs adenovirus infection type 1 dogs:

Fever
Lethargy, depression, anorexia
Liver enlargement, abdominal tenderness, unwillingness to move
Pale mucous membranes, sometimes petechiae and ecchymosis
Lymphadenopathy, tonsillitis, pharyngitis
Corneal edema during convalescence
Nerve symptoms (various) associated with vasculitis
Bloody diarrhea, with or without vomiting, associated with intestinal involvement
Cough due to bronchitis/bronchiolitis
Collapse

Diagnostics
Non-specific changes include:
Neutropenia and leukopenia in early stage disease
Leukocytosis during convalescence
In most cases, thrombocytopenia
Prolonged non-stop bleeding and clotting disorders due to damage to the liver and vascular endothelium
An increase in the concentration of liver enzymes, reflecting damage to liver cells.

Confirmation of adenovirus infection in live animals based on the isolation of virus from feces and oropharyngeal swabs placed in virus transport medium and/or the demonstration of an increase in antibody titer to the virus in serum samples collected at intervals of 14–21 days. High antibody titer in the presence of appropriate clinical signs in an unvaccinated puppy is indicative of adenovirus infection but is not conclusive evidence.
At post-mortem examination, enlargement and softening of the liver is noted, often with fibrous exudates on the capsule. gallbladder edematous or hemorrhagic. Diagnosis can be confirmed histological examination liver.

Treatment and prevention
There is no specific therapy for the treatment of adenovirus. If the disease is severe, symptomatic supportive therapy is required. liver failure. Immunization with vaccines against adenovirus types 1 and 2 is a highly effective method of prevention. When using modified live vaccines against adenovirus type 1, possible side effects, mainly corneal edema. All modern vaccines for dogs contain a modified type 2 live virus capable of providing protection for up to 6 years (Ford and Schultz, 2000).

Viral hepatitis in dogs (canine adenovirus, fulminant liver failure)- serious contagious viral disease characterized by fever, catarrh of the gastrointestinal tract, mucous membranes of the respiratory system, central nervous system, follicular conjunctivitis, the development of destructive-degenerative processes in the liver. Hepatitis affects all dogs age groups and breeds. The most susceptible are small puppies aged 1.5 to 3 months. In dogs older than three years of age, viral hepatitis is rarely diagnosed. Infectious hepatitis occurs in the form of isolated cases, 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 localization of the virus occurs in the endothelial cells of the larynx, pharynx, esophagus, tonsils. Further reproduction of the virus occurs in cell structures various internal organs, regional (submandibular, pharyngeal) 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 noted, leading to disruption of the functioning of the liver, organs of the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, destruction renal vessels. There are multiple foci of inflammation, hemorrhage, perivascular edema. Toxins, poisons secreted by adenovirus have a devastating effect on the vascular endothelium. Their insight is increasing.

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

Infection with hepatitis occurs in the alimentary way, with the use of virus-infected water, feed. The risk group includes weakened animals, with a decrease in the body's resistance, as well as dogs kept in kennels under adverse conditions. Infection can occur through inventory, ammunition, bedding that was used to care for sick, recovered animals, overalls, and hygiene items.

contribute to the development of hepatitis unfavourable conditions content, poor-quality, unbalanced diet, hypothermia, insufficient concentration of vitamins, minerals in the feed, the presence comorbidities and diseases.

Symptoms of viral hepatitis in dogs

From the moment of infection to the onset of the first symptoms of hepatitis, it can take from five to ten days. The disease proceeds in a fulminant, acute, subacute, latent (latent) form. A more distinct clinical picture is noted in young animals up to a year old.

In the acute form, dogs are diagnosed with:

temperature rise;

general oppression, decline physical activity;

gastroenteritis;

profuse diarrhea;

yellowness of mucous membranes, whites of the eyes;

frequent urges to urination, dark color of urine;

bouts of nausea, vomiting;

weight loss;

enlargement, hemorrhage of the lymph nodes;

violation electrolyte metabolism, metabolic processes;

in the feces, blood clots, mucus are noted;

unilateral, bilateral keratitis;

enlargement, soreness of the lymph nodes, tonsillitis.

On palpation abdominal cavity dogs, note pain, discomfort, especially in the liver. because of pain dogs often sit in an unusual position for themselves, with their forelimbs wide apart. Animals may have difficulty breathing, note shortness of breath, there may be problems in the functioning of the central nervous system, of cardio-vascular system, namely: rapid pulse, arrhythmia. Due to a prolonged violation of the synthesis of albumin in the liver, hypoproteinemic edema (ascites) is noted in the peritoneum.

As hepatitis progresses in dogs, severe itching, which leads to the appearance of scratching on the body. Mucous, unstained areas skin acquire an icteric color. Puppies can have seizures muscle spasms, weakness of the limbs, impaired coordination of movement. In pregnant bitches, spontaneous abortions are possible, the birth of weak, non-viable offspring.

The manifestation of clinical signs depends on the form and stage of hepatitis. In subacute, chronic course, the clinical picture is less pronounced. chronic form diagnosed in adult dogs. They note a violation in the work of organs digestive system, diarrhea, periodic fever, anemic mucous membranes, swelling subcutaneous tissue, enlargement, lymph node hemorrhage.

The latent form occurs without obvious, characteristic features. Perhaps a deterioration in appetite, a slight increase in temperature, bouts of vomiting, dyspepsia. The manifestation of symptoms is facilitated by various adverse factors. In acute, hyperacute hepatitis, mortality in puppies is 90-100%.

To possible complications include: acute insufficiency liver, glaucoma, pyelonephritis.

Diagnosis of Hepatitis in Dogs

Given the similarity of symptoms with other infectious diseases, for example, with parvovirus enteritis, toxoplasmosis, canine distemper, leptospirosis, differential diagnosis is mandatory. also in veterinary clinics prescribe abdominal radiography, ultrasound of the peritoneal organs, conduct biochemical, bacteriological, serological studies blood, test analyzes (RIF, RN). According to the results diagnostic studies veterinarians prescribe appropriate treatment.

Hepatitis Treatment in Dogs

Comprehensive treatment includes the use of symptomatic, antihistamine, antiviral drugs, antibiotics a wide range actions of the cephalosporin, penicillin series (ampioks, 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 drugs containing lactobacilli, put cleansing, nourishing enemas.

For elimination pain symptoms prescribed analgesics, sedatives medical preparations. To strengthen, activate defensive forces dogs are prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements complex preparations, ascorbic acid, drugs of group B. Vitamin preparations administered intramuscularly, subcutaneously. Of the multivitamins, undevit, hexavit, nutrisan, revit are prescribed.

To eliminate signs of intoxication, animals are injected intravenously saline solutions- Ringer's solution, Ringer-Locke, Trisol, isotonic sodium chloride, other antitoxic drugs. During treatment, dogs are given therapeutic diet. Fatty foods are excluded from the diet. If possible, dogs are prescribed alimentary feeding.

Prevention of hepatitis in dogs

The main prevention is timely vaccination. Puppies can be vaccinated from 6-8 weeks. Apply mono- or polyvaccines. Re-vaccination is carried out when the dog is one year old. Attention is paid to the diet, monitor the condition of the dog, carry out sanitary and hygienic measures in a timely manner, adhere to the established veterinarian vaccination schedules. In the case of the manifestation of the first, even minor symptoms, you should immediately show the dog to a veterinarian.