Hepatitis (Canine Infectious Hepatitis, ICH, Blue eye)

This is a disease caused by a virus called Canine Adenovirus–1. It affects unvaccinated dogs of any age, but dogs under one year of age are most susceptible.

Dogs can contract the disease from other infected dogs, who shed the virus in their secretions (urine, feces, etc). Affected dogs may die within a few hours of infection; others may develop severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and a “blue eye.” Some dogs suffer seizures.

The condition requires hospitalization for supportive treatments. Most dogs afflicted with hepatitis die, while surviving dogs end up with chronic debilitating liver disease.

Vaccination is very effective for prevention of hepatitis.