Treatment Options for Dog Hepatitis: A Comprehensive Gu

Section 1: Symptoms of Canine Hepatitis

Canine hepatitis often presents with mild symptoms in subacute cases. In acute cases, dogs with less severe symptoms may exhibit anemia, pharyngitis, jaundice, tonsillitis, lymphadenopathy, and other conditions. Eye symptoms include corneal edema, opacity, and a bluish discoloration of the cornea, which is clinically referred to as "blue eye disease." The eyes may appear semiclosed, with photophobia and excessive tearing, accompanied by a copious amount of serous discharge. The opacity typically spreads from the center of the cornea outward. In severe cases, corneal perforation can occur. During recovery, the opacity in the cornea usually diminishes slowly from the periphery to the center. Dogs that experience the clearing of opacity often recover spontaneously, and visible mucous membranes may exhibit varying degrees of jaundice.

Section 2: Prevention and Treatment of Canine Infectious Hepatitis

Prevention: It is crucial to isolate recovered dogs for a period of detoxification, ideally for over half a year. The best preventive measure for canine liver health is regular vaccination, as multivalent vaccines not only protect against infectious hepatitis but also guard against viral infections.

Treatment: Early treatment with hyperimmune serum can be effective for canine infectious hepatitis. However, once clinical symptoms are evident, even high doses of hyperimmune serum may not be curative. Blood transfusions can be beneficial for dogs with severe anemia. Treatment involves symptomatic care, including intravenous glucose, fluid replacement, and adenosine triphosphate supplementation. Coenzyme A can aid in patient recovery. The systemic use of antibiotics and sulfonamide drugs can prevent secondary infections. For dogs with keratitis, a combination of 0.5% lidocaine and chloramphenicol eye drops can be alternated for treatment.

Tip from Your Pet Doctor: For more information on canine hepatitis, click here to read "Symptoms and Treatment of Canine Infectious Hepatitis."