Dogs & Hepatitis C

In humans, hepatitis C is a dangerous and potentially fatal disease so it is understandable that owners might worry about the effects of the disease on their dogs. Most cases of hepatitis C in dogs, however, are mild and many dogs become immune to the virus within two or three weeks.

  1. Identification

    • Many dogs with hepatitis C only suffer from a mild form of the virus. In this instance, the virus might affect the dog for less than a week. Veterinarian Ron Hines, advises that the dog's behavior may change for a few days, and it may seem more lethargic. Occasionally, some dogs develop a blue tinge in their corneas. Very few dogs develop serious hepatitis, but those that do can experience potentially life-threatening symptoms such as internal bleeding and liver disease.

    Significance

    • Although serious instances of hepatitis C are rare, the disease can cause a dog to go into shock or even die. As Animal Shelter.org explains, the condition affects the liver, the kidneys, the eyes and other major organs. If untreated, it could go on to cause irreparable damage to the dog's body. As there is no cure for the disease, it will affect the dog for the rest of its life.

    Causes

    • Hines explains that hepatitis is caused by the CAV-1 virus, which is only found in canines and a few other animals. A dog becomes infected when it inhales or eats substances infected by the virus, including urine, tears and other bodily fluids from infected animals. Once the virus enters the dog's bloodstream, it affects the major organs and can cause death. Since most dogs are vaccinated against hepatitis at an early age, the disease is fairly rare in the United States.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Hepatitis is incurable so if a dog contracts the disease you can only manage the symptoms, not eradicate it completely. A vet may prescribe medications such as antibiotics to treat each symptoms individually. The best way to prevent the transmission of hepatitis is to get your dog is vaccinated against the disease. Most puppies receive this vaccination at an early age but if you are unsure whether your dog is protected, it's important to consult your vet.

    Considerations

    • Veterinarian Jeff Grognet reassures owners that hepatitis cannot be passed from dog to owner or vice versa. He explains that hepatitis in dogs is caused by a particular virus, the canine adenovirus 1. This only affects dogs, skunks and bears. Although the symptoms of hepatitis C in humans and dogs are the same, they are caused by two different viruses. Therefore, dogs are immune to the human strain and, likewise, humans can't catch hepatitis from an infected dog.