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Infectious Canine Hepatitis

🩺 Health guideVerified: Oct 19, 2026Sources at bottom
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Sourced to the Merck Veterinary Manual

Infectious canine hepatitis is a contagious, worldwide disease of dogs. Signs can range from mild fever and mild inflammation of the membranes inside the mouth, nose and eyes, to severe illness involving weakness, a shar

Infectious Canine Hepatitis — dog health guide

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The short version

Infectious canine hepatitis is a contagious, worldwide disease of dogs. Signs can range from mild fever and mild inflammation of the membranes inside the mouth, nose and eyes, to severe illness involving weakness, a sharp drop in white blood cells, and blood clotting problems.

Infectious canine hepatitis is caused by canine adenovirus type 1. Dogs are usually infected by ingesting urine, feces, or saliva from infected animals. Dogs that recover can continue to shed the virus in their urine for at least 6 months. The virus affects the lining of blood vessels and can damage the liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs, though other organs can also be involved.

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Also see professional content regarding infectious canine hepatitis.

Frequently asked questions

Infectious canine hepatitis?

The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Infectious canine hepatitis is a contagious, worldwide disease of dogs. Signs can range from mild fever and mild inflammation of the membranes inside… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.

Infectious canine hepatitis symptoms?

The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Infectious canine hepatitis is a contagious, worldwide disease of dogs. Signs can range from mild fever and mild inflammation of the membranes inside… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.

Infectious canine hepatitis vaccine?

The Merck Veterinary Manual covers this in the article linked on this page. Infectious canine hepatitis is a contagious, worldwide disease of dogs. Signs can range from mild fever and mild inflammation of the membranes inside… If your dog is unwell, contact your veterinarian — this page is educational, not a diagnosis.

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