Changes

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Treatment for infectious canine hepatitis is supportive and symptomatic. This may include fluid therapy, and blood or plasma in the event of clotting disorders. Heparin may be necessary if disseminated intravascular coagulation arises, and intravenous glucose can be used to correct hypoglycaemia. Hepatic encephalopathy can be treated with lactulose and antibiotics such as neomycin or ampicillin, and S-adenosyl methionine can be provided as a glutathione precursor or replacement to help minimise damage and aid liver regeneration. Anti-emetic drugs can also be used.

Treatment for infectious canine hepatitis is supportive and symptomatic. fluid therapy is essential, but care must be taken to avoid overhydration since vascular permeability may be increased. It may be neccessary to monitor and supplement magnesium and potassium since depletion of electrolytes can compound hepatic encephalopathy. Dextrose can also be added to fluids to avoid neuroglycopenia. Blood or plasma can be administered in the event of clotting disorders and in conjunction with heparin in disseminated intravascular coagulation. Nutritional support is important; frequent small meals containing adequate but not excessive protein should be given. Hepatic encephalopathy can be treated with lactulose and antibiotics such as neomycin or ampicillin, and prohpylactic antimicrobials also protect against bacteremia of intestinal microbes in hepatic failure. S-adenosyl methionine can be provided as a glutathione precursor, and vitamin E as an antioxidant, to help minimise damage and aid liver regeneration. Anti-emetic drugs and gastric protectant can also be used. Barrier nursing and strict hygiene are necessary to prevent spread of disease.

A vaccine is available for infectious canine hepatitis and is a "core" canine vaccine. The vaccine is a modified live strain of CAV-2, which confers cross-protection against CAV-1. The primary course consists of two vaccinations given three to four weeks apart, and boosters are required at least every two to three years

 

A vaccine is available for infectious canine hepatitis and is a "core" canine vaccine. The vaccine is a live attenuated strain of CAV-2, which confers cross-protection against CAV-1. The primary course consists of two vaccinations given three to four weeks apart, and boosters are required at least every two to three years.

 

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==