Changes

Routine haematology and blood biochemistry may show several changes. Leucocytes are initally depleted due to neutropenia and lymphopenia, but recovering animals display leucocytosis and neutrophilia. The liver enzymes ALT, AST and SAP tend to be raised, and liver function is impaired. This is demonstrated by elevations in bile acids, ammonia and bilirubin. Clotting abnormalities such as thrombocytopaenia and prolonged PT and APTT may also be noted. However, although indicative of heptatic disease, these tests are non-specific for infectious canine hepatitis.

Routine haematology and blood biochemistry may show several changes. Leucocytes are initally depleted due to neutropenia and lymphopenia, but recovering animals display leucocytosis and neutrophilia. The liver enzymes ALT, AST and SAP tend to be raised, and liver function is impaired. This is demonstrated by elevations in bile acids, ammonia and bilirubin. Clotting abnormalities such as thrombocytopaenia and prolonged PT and APTT may also be noted. However, although indicative of heptatic disease, these tests are non-specific for infectious canine hepatitis.

   

   

Other laboratory tests may be used in the confirmation of CAV-1 infection. Although virus isolation (on tissues or secretions) and immunofluorescence (on infected tissues) are both possible, serology is the most useful adjunctive test. CAV-1 antibodies typically increase to levels greater than those post-vaccination during active infection, and so a rising antibody titre can confirm a diagnosis of infectious canine hepatitis.

Other laboratory tests may be used in the confirmation of CAV-1 infection. Although virus isolation (on tissues or secretions) and immunofluorescence (on infected tissues) are both possible, serology is the most useful adjunctive test. CAV-1 antibodies typically increase to levels greater than those post-vaccination during active infection, and so a rising antibody titre can confirm a diagnosis of infectious canine hepatitis.