INFECTIOUS CANINE HEPATITIS

The viral disease can infect other animals including wolves and bears, says Yung-Tsun Lo (D.V.M., Ph.D) of Bioguard Corporation.

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Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a viral disease in dogs caused by the canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1). While it primarily targets the liver, ICH can also affect the kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels, leading to a variety of symptoms. Although CAV-1 does not pose a risk to humans, it can infect other animals, including wolves, coyotes, skunks and bears, and can cause encephalitis in foxes. ICH mainly affects dogs younger than one year old, but there have been cases in adult dogs prior to the widespread availability of vaccines.

Transmission

Transmission occurs mainly through oronasal exposure to saliva, faeces, urine, or nasal discharge from infected dogs. The virus can also spread via fomites, such as hands, utensils and clothing, as well as through ectoparasites like fleas and ticks.

The initial infection takes place through the nasopharyngeal, conjunctival, or oropharyngeal routes. Once inside, the virus replicates in the tonsil crypts and lymph nodes, leading to viremia and spreading to various organs, particularly the liver. Infected dogs can shed the virus in their urine for up to 6 to 9 months after infection. In older dogs, infections are generally mild or go unnoticed, often resolving without treatment.