Types & Clinical Symptoms of Canine Hepatitis

Section 1: Types of Canine Infectious Hepatitis

1. Hepatic form of infectious hepatitis predominantly affects puppies and dogs under one year of age. This type is characterized by a rapid onset. Affected dogs may experience a fever reaching 4041°C, which is persistent and recurrent. They may also suffer from frequent vomiting, diarrhea, and blood in their feces. Dogs with this condition may exhibit severe abdominal pain, runny nose, and bleeding from the mouth or gums. While these symptoms may mimic those of a common cold, they are far more severe. A dog's intense and excessive thirst can signal the onset of a critical phase, where the risk of death is heightened.

2. Respiratory form of infectious hepatitis typically presents with upper respiratory issues, such as an increased heart and respiratory rate, coughing, and the discharge of puslike mucus from the nose. As the disease progresses, dogs may also show symptoms like enlarged tonsils and hemorrhagic bronchial lymph nodes.

While hepatitis and respiratory hepatitis can be easily distinguished, they are often confused with other diseases like canine distemper. Caution is necessary during treatment.

Section 2: Clinical Symptoms of Canine Infectious Hepatitis

1. Dogs with this condition may exhibit significant ascites in the abdominal cavity, with the liver and spleen becoming visibly enlarged, up to two to three times larger than normal. Diseased liver tissue may become everted, and its color may turn to khaki. The liver and spleen sections will show blurred textures and dark red spots.

2. Affected dogs may suffer from severe dehydration, dry hair, and mild gastrointestinal bleeding. The mesenteric lymph nodes may become congested and swollen. Some dogs may also experience bronchial lymph node congestion in the anterior and posterior lobes of the lungs due to incomplete liver expansion.

As the disease worsens, dogs may develop severe symptoms such as anemia, jaundice, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis, which can cause significant harm to their health. In emergency situations, these diseases can pose a threat to the dog's life in a short period.

Currently, there is no specific cure for canine infectious hepatitis. Treatment generally involves specific methods, such as liver protection, antiviral therapy, controlling secondary infections, and alleviating jaundice. The specific treatment plan should be determined based on the dog's condition.

Dr. Oxygen Pet温馨提示Canine infectious hepatitis symptoms can be similar to those of canine distemper and viral influenza, making them easy to confuse. To ensure your dog receives timely and effective treatment, it is crucial to take them to the vet for examination and diagnosis as soon as symptoms appear.