Health A-Z
Canine Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
Owner and veterinary guidance with linked treatments and source citations.
Canine Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus)
Species: Dog
Breeds Affected: All Breeds (puppies and unvaccinated dogs at highest risk)
Clinical review: Veterinary reviewer metadata is not available yet.
Guidance by audience
Use the global Pet owner/Vet toggle in the header. Each mode shows only what that audience needs.
For Pet Owners
Quick summary
Canine infectious hepatitis is a viral disease caused by canine adenovirus type-1 (CAV-1). It primarily attacks the liver and endothelial cells, leading to hepatitis and bleeding disorders. Young dogs are most at risk, though infection can range from mild to fatal. The virus spreads via urine, feces, or saliva of infected dogs. Vaccination with CAV-2 (cross-protective) has made this disease uncommon in vaccinated populations. Track appetite, hydration, stool/urine changes, energy level, and symptom pattern over time.
Red flags
Call your vet today: Persistent or worsening symptoms. Emergency now: Collapse, severe breathing issues, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe pain.
What to expect at the vet
Diagnosis should combine history, exam findings, and condition-specific testing.
Prevention checklist
Reduce preventable risk through hygiene, vaccination/preventives when applicable, and routine veterinary follow-up.
For Veterinarians
Diagnostics
Diagnosis should combine history, exam findings, and condition-specific testing.
Differentials
Differential diagnosis considerations are not available yet.
Treatment considerations
As with most viral infections, there is no specific cure for canine hepatitis. Treatment is supportive and aimed at reducing symptoms and giving the immune system time to respond. Dogs are often hospitalized for IV fluid therapy to maintain hydration, and may receive blood transfusions if there is significant bleeding. Supportive care includes warming (if hypothermic), and managing hypoglycemia or clotting abnormalities as needed.
Follow-up strategy
Follow-up strategy is not available yet.
What To Do Now
Escalate care quickly if symptoms worsen, persist, or include emergency warning signs.
| Urgency | Signs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Call your vet today | Persistent or worsening symptoms | Call your veterinarian the same day for guidance and exam scheduling. |
| Emergency now | Collapse, severe breathing issues, seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe pain | Seek emergency veterinary care immediately. |
Prevention Checklist
Reduce preventable risk through hygiene, vaccination/preventives when applicable, and routine veterinary follow-up.
Treatments and Medication Links
Use these medication pages as a reference for options your veterinarian may discuss.
Detailed treatment strategy remains in the Vet view to avoid duplicate narrative blocks.
No linked medications are available yet.
Find a Vet Near YouFrequently Asked Questions
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Q: How is Hip Dysplasia diagnosed?
A: Through physical examinations and X-rays conducted by a veterinarian.
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Q: How is Canine Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus) diagnosed and monitored?
A: Veterinarians diagnose based on history, exam findings, and targeted diagnostics such as lab work, imaging, and disease-specific tests. Follow-up intervals depend on severity, response to treatment, and recurrence risk. [PetWisePlus generated reference]
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Q: What should pet owners track at home for Canine Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus)?
A: Track appetite, hydration, activity, bathroom habits, medication adherence, side effects, and symptom changes over time. Bring a simple log and photos/videos of episodes to follow-up visits so treatment can be adjusted quickly. [PetWisePlus generated reference]
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Q: When should I contact a veterinarian about Canine Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus)?
A: Contact your veterinarian promptly if your pet has persistent or worsening signs of Canine Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus), stops eating or drinking, has breathing difficulty, severe pain, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, collapse, or neurologic signs. Use emergency care immediately for life-threatening symptoms. [PetWisePlus generated reference]
Data Sources
Last updated: February 16, 2026, 11:11 AM UTC
View source list
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Owner_summary · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Canine+Infectious+Hepatitis+%28Adenovirus%29Reference search for condition background. -
Triage · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Canine+Infectious+Hepatitis+%28Adenovirus%29Clinical triage framing. -
Vet_summary · clinical_reference
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/searchresults?query=Canine+Infectious+Hepatitis+%28Adenovirus%29Clinical workflow reference. -
Diagnosis · guideline
https://capcvet.org/?s=Canine+Infectious+Hepatitis+%28Adenovirus%29Guideline discovery link. -
Prevention · public_health
https://www.cdc.gov/search/?query=Canine+Infectious+Hepatitis+%28Adenovirus%29Public health discovery link. -
Treatment_overview · guideline
https://capcvet.org/?s=Canine+Infectious+Hepatitis+%28Adenovirus%29Treatment guideline discovery link.
Revision History
View revision log
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structured_enrichment2026-02-16 11:11 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-16 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-15 11:11 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-15 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-14 11:10 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-14 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 11:11 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 11:00 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-13 04:45 · etl
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structured_enrichment2026-02-12 22:47 · etl
Related Media
Merck Veterinary Manual search for Canine Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus). [PetWisePlus generated reference]
CDC search results for Canine Infectious Hepatitis (Adenovirus). [PetWisePlus generated reference]
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