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Infectious Canine Hepatitis (view source)
Revision as of 12:08, 11 August 2010
, 12:08, 11 August 2010→Laboratory Tests
===Laboratory Tests===
===Laboratory Tests===
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 ASP tend to be raised, and liver function is impaired. This is demonstrated by elevations in [[bile acids]], [[ammonia]] and [[bilirubin]]. Clotting abnormalities such as [[Trombocytopaenia|thrombocytopaenia]] and prolonged PT and APTT may also be noted. However, although indicative of hepatic 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 ASP tend to be raised, and liver function is impaired. This is demonstrated by elevations in [[bile acids]], [[ammonia]] and [[bilirubin]]. Clotting abnormalities such as [[Platelet Abnormalities|thrombocytopaenia]] and prolonged PT and APTT may also be noted. However, although indicative of hepatic 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.