Treatment and Prevention for Canine Hepatitis

Treatment: Blood transfusions may be necessary in severely ill dogs. In addition, 5% dextrose in isotonic saline should be given, preferably IV. In dogs with prolonged clotting time, SC administration of fluids may be dangerous. A broad-spectrum antibiotic should be given. Because tetracyclines may cause discoloration of the teeth during tooth development, they should not be used in puppies before their permanent teeth erupt. Although the transient corneal opacity (which may occur during the course of ICH or be associated with vaccination with attenuated CAV-1 vaccines) usually requires no treatment, atropine ophthalmic ointment may alleviate the painful ciliary spasm that is sometimes associated with it. The dog should be protected against bright light if corneal clouding occurs. Systemic corticosteroids are generally contraindicated for treatment of corneal opacity associated with ICH.

Prevention: Modified live virus vaccines are available and are often combined with other vaccines. Vaccination against ICH is recommended at the time of canine distemper vaccinations. Attenuated CAV-1 vaccines have produced transient unilateral or bilateral opacities of the cornea, and the virus may be shed in urine. CAV-2 attenuated live virus strains, which provide cross protection against CAV-1, are preferentially used because they have very little tendency to produce corneal opacities or uveitis, and the virus is not shed in urine. Annual revaccination against ICH is often practiced. Maternal antibody from immune bitches interferes with active immunization in puppies until they are 9-12 wk old.

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