Hepatitis, whilst less common than the parvo virus usually affects dogs under two years of age
- Hepatitis is transferred directly through urine, faeces and saliva
- The virus spreads through the bloodstream in the liver. It destroys the liver cells resulting in the organ becoming large and inflamed. It causes jaundice, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, blood tinged diarrhoea and dehydration
- This virus can also affect the eyes and kidneys
- Dogs that recover from the virus continue to pass the virus on in their urine for up to 6-9 months
- In severe cases, dogs can die within 24 hours