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Hepatitis Contagiosa Canis, HCC (Infectious Canine Hepatitis) in Dogs

Occurrence: rarer
Location of illness: General/Whole body

Hepatitis contagiosa canis (HCC), also known as infectious canine hepatitis, is a viral infectious disease that mainly affects the liver of dogs. It is caused by Canine Adenovirus Type 1 (CAV-1) and can take both acute and chronic courses.

The most important facts at a glance

Infectious canine hepatitis (HCC) is caused by Canine Adenovirus Type 1 (CAV-1). This highly contagious virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects. It enters the body via the tonsils or pharynx and mainly affects the liver, but can also affect the kidneys, eyes and vascular system. The disease manifests itself in symptoms such as Fever, weakness, loss of appetite, Vomiting and Diarrhea. A definitive diagnosis is made by serological tests or PCR to detect the viral genome.

Since there is no specific antiviral therapy, treatment aims to alleviate the symptoms. Fluid therapy, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are some of the supportive measures. The prognosis depends on factors such as the dog’s age and immune status. Prevention is mainly through vaccination, which is part of the standard vaccination schedule. Good hygiene conditions and avoiding contact with infected animals are also important.

Research focuses on new vaccines and therapeutic approaches to better understand and treat the disease. The development of safer and more effective vaccines is a priority, as is understanding the genetic and immunological mechanisms of the disease. Advances in these areas could reduce the impact of HCC on dogs worldwide.

Causes

HCC is caused by Canine Adenovirus Type 1 (CAV-1), which belongs to the Adenoviridae family. This virus is closely related to Canine Adenovirus Type 2 (CAV-2), which is responsible for respiratory diseases. CAV-1 is highly contagious and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects.

After infection, the virus enters the body via the tonsils or pharynx and spreads via the bloodstream. It primarily affects the liver, but can also affect the kidneys, eyes and vascular system of the dog. The viremia, i.e. the presence of viruses in the blood, leads to a systemic infection that is fought by the body’s immune response. The severity of the disease depends on the virulence of the pathogen and the immune status of the dog.

Causes for the spread of CAV-1 are often poor hygiene conditions, high animal density and lack of immunity due to lack of vaccination. Since the virus is relatively stable in the environment, it can be transmitted via contaminated surfaces, water or feed. Infected dogs excrete the virus via saliva, urine and feces, which increases the risk of infection for other dogs.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

The symptoms of an HCC infection can vary depending on the course of the disease. In the acute phase, affected dogs often show Fever, loss of appetite and lethargy. The liver is the main target organ, which is why symptoms such as Vomiting, Diarrhea and Abdominal pain often occur. Jaundice, recognizable by yellowish mucous membranes and eyes, can also be an indicator of liver involvement.

Another characteristic symptom is the so-called “Blue Eye”, a clouding of the cornea caused by an immune-mediated inflammation of the eyes. This can be temporary or, in severe cases, permanent. Some dogs also experience a Tendency to bleed, such as nosebleeds or pinpoint Bleeding on the skin and mucous membranes, which indicates an impairment of blood clotting.

In severe cases, Convulsions, coma and sudden Death can occur, especially in very young or immunocompromised animals. Chronic courses are also possible, whereby the symptoms may be milder and more unspecific, but can lead to liver dysfunction in the long term.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of HCC is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests and specific diagnostic procedures. A blood count can provide evidence of liver inflammation, such as elevated liver enzymes and altered blood clotting values. Further examination of the urine can provide additional information about kidney function.

To confirm the infection, a serological test can be performed to detect antibodies against CAV-1. In some cases, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to directly detect the viral genome. This method is particularly useful because it allows specific identification of the pathogen.

An ultrasound examination of the liver and other affected organs can help assess the severity of the disease. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be required to make a definitive diagnosis, especially in chronic or atypical courses of the disease.

Therapy

The treatment of HCC depends on the severity of the symptoms and aims to alleviate the clinical signs and promote healing. There is no specific antiviral therapy against CAV-1, so the focus is on symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Fluid therapy is often necessary to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to relieve abdominal pain and Fever. In severe cases, corticosteroids can be administered to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation.

Antibiotics may be required to treat secondary bacterial infections that can result from the body’s weakened immune system. A special diet with easily digestible nutrients can support liver function and promote recovery.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for HCC depends on various factors, including the age, immune status of the dog and the severity of the disease. Dogs with a mild form of the disease usually have a good prognosis and can recover completely.

In severe cases, especially in young or unvaccinated dogs, the disease can take a critical course and even end in Death. However, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the chances of survival.

Chronic courses can lead to permanent damage to the liver, which requires long-term medical care. Regular monitoring of liver function and an adapted diet are essential in such cases.

Prevention

The most effective method for preventing HCC is vaccination. The vaccine against CAV-1 is part of the standard vaccination schedule for dogs and offers reliable protection against the disease. As a rule, basic immunization is carried out in puppyhood, followed by regular booster vaccinations.

Additional prevention measures include good hygiene practices, especially in environments with many dogs, such as kennels or animal shelters. Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and objects that dogs come into contact with can reduce the risk of CAV-1 transmission.

Contact with infected animals should be avoided to prevent infection. Owners should ensure that their dogs do not have access to potentially contaminated water sources or feeding places to minimize the risk of infection.

Outlook on current research

Infectious canine hepatitis (Hepatitis contagiosa canis or HCC) is a significant disease caused by Canine Adenovirus Type 1 (CAV-1). Research into HCC is currently focused on various areas, including the development of improved vaccines, the identification of new therapeutic approaches, and understanding the genetic and immunological mechanisms underlying the disease.

A significant advance in research concerns vaccine development. Current studies aim to develop vaccines that not only provide longer immunity but are also safer. Researchers are exploring the possibility of developing genetically modified or subunit-based vaccines that use specific protein structures of the virus to stimulate a robust immune response without the risk of vaccine disease.

Another area of research is the study of the pathogenesis of HCC. Scientists are working to better understand how CAV-1 infects liver cells and what immunological reactions this triggers. This research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that minimize or reverse the damage caused by the virus.

The development of antiviral drugs is also an active area of research. Researchers are identifying and testing various compounds that could directly attack the virus or modulate the host’s immune response to reduce the disease burden. These efforts could lead to new treatment options for dogs suffering from HCC.

There are also studies dealing with the genetics of the virus itself. By sequencing and analyzing the genetic information of CAV-1, scientists are trying to understand the genetic variations associated with different degrees of virulence and infectivity. These findings could help identify specific viral strains associated with more severe disease courses.

Another important aspect of research is the monitoring and epidemiology of HCC. Scientists analyze the spread and frequency of CAV-1 infections in different geographic regions to identify patterns and trends that could be helpful in developing prevention strategies. Monitoring also helps to quickly detect and contain outbreaks.

Collaboration between various research institutions worldwide has accelerated progress in these areas. By sharing data and resources, researchers can reach new insights faster and translate their findings into practice.

Overall, research into HCC remains a dynamic field with promising potential to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Advances in vaccine technology, the discovery of new drugs and understanding of virus biology promise to reduce the impact of HCC on dog populations worldwide.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Hepatitis contagiosa canis (HCC)? HCC is a contagious viral disease in dogs caused by Canine Adenovirus Type 1 (CAV-1). It mainly affects the liver, but can also affect other organ systems and is widespread worldwide.
How is HCC transmitted? HCC is mainly transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or their excretions. The virus can also be spread through contaminated objects, such as food and water bowls, or through the environment, as it is able to survive in the environment.
What symptoms does a dog with HCC show? The symptoms of HCC can vary and include Fever, loss of appetite, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, and in severe cases, jaundice. In some dogs, the disease can also cause neurological symptoms such as Convulsions.
Can HCC be treated? There is no specific antiviral treatment for HCC, but the symptoms can be treated with supportive care. This includes fluid therapy, pain management, and sometimes antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections. The prognosis depends on the severity of the disease.
How can I protect my dog from HCC? The best prevention against HCC is vaccination. Most standard vaccination programs for dogs include a vaccine against CAV-1. Regular booster vaccinations are important to ensure lasting protection.
Is HCC transmissible to humans or other animals? HCC is specific to dogs and does not pose a threat to humans. Other pets are also not susceptible to this specific infection, as the virus is species-specific.
How is HCC diagnosed? The diagnosis of HCC is usually made through a combination of clinical symptoms, blood tests, and serological tests that detect the presence of antibodies against the virus. In some cases, a biopsy of the liver may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
Can a dog recover completely after an HCC infection? Yes, many dogs can recover completely from an HCC infection, especially if treated in time. However, in severe cases, permanent liver damage can occur, requiring long-term medical care.
How long is the incubation period for HCC? The incubation period for HCC is usually 4 to 9 days after exposure to the virus. During this time, the dog may not show any symptoms but is still contagious to other dogs.
How long can the virus survive in the environment? Canine Adenovirus Type 1 is relatively stable in the environment and can survive for several weeks to months under favorable conditions. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly clean and disinfect infected areas to prevent spread.