A Liver Infection in a Dog
Dogs may develop infectious hepatitis which is a liver condition. Infectious hepatitis is characterized by inflammation of the liver. Your dog may be quite ill by the time he has any noticeable symptoms of liver disease. If your dog has any symptoms of hepatitis, consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
-
Identification
-
The liver is an important organ in the dog's body because it helps with energy storage, detoxification, and metabolism, and produces bile. Bile aids in the digestion of the foods that are eaten. The liver is the first organ that comes into contact with toxins that may be introduced into the dog's body. Infectious hepatitis may be of unknown origin or it can be caused by a virus.
Symptoms
-
The symptoms associated with infectious hepatitis in dogs may include gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Jaundice is a common symptom of infectious hepatitis in dogs, a condition which can cause the skin and eyes to have a yellow tint. Other symptoms that may develop include fever, gray feces, weight loss, pain in the abdomen, orange urine, an increase in thirst and increased urination.
-
Causes
-
Infectious hepatitis in dogs is usually caused by a virus, such as the adenovirus or the herpes virus. According to Canine-Epilepsy.com, infectious hepatitis may turn into chronic hepatitis and is contagious. Infectious hepatitis may be transferred from contact with dogs that have hepatitis.
Diagnosis
-
Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination in order to diagnose hepatitis in your dog. Diagnostic tests such as a CBC (complete blood count), a chemical analysis and a urinalysis may be performed. X-rays may be done to search for a liver abscess, an enlarged liver, or circulatory abnormalities. A diagnostic ultrasound may be used to the get an image of the dog's bile duct system, the size of the liver and the density of the tissue in the liver. If a diagnosis has not been obtained, the veterinarian may perform a biopsy of the liver while the dog is under anesthesia. A biopsy involves taking a sample of the liver and examining it under a microscope. This test can give confirmation of infectious hepatitis.
Treatment
-
The treatment for infectious hepatitis in dogs may include dietary changes. A proper diet is an important aspect of treatment for dogs that have hepatitis because a poor diet will place a strain on the liver. Removing any toxins or drugs that may harm the liver is another important treatment aspect. Veterinarians may prescribe diuretics to control water retention and antibiotics may be necessary to control infections of the liver or elsewhere in the body. If your dog is diagnosed with hepatitis, be certain to follow all of your veterinarians recommendations for treatment to ensure the survival of your dog.
-
References
- Photo Credit cute adorable brown puppy dog face eyes nose image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
