canine infectious hepatitis and KC Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is canine infectious hepatitis (ICH) and what causes it?
ICH, or Rubarth’s disease, is a rare disease caused by canine adenovirus 1 (CAV-1), which affects Canidae worldwide. CAV-1 is stable and persists in the environment.
Describe the pathogenesis of CAV-1 infection.
Initial replication in lymphoid tissue, viraemia after 5 days, spreads to liver and vascular endothelium causing necrosis, jaundice, effusions, and endothelial damage. Leads to immune complex glomerulonephritis and possible ‘blue eye’.
What is ‘blue eye’ in canine infectious hepatitis?
A transient corneal oedema caused by immune complex formation between CAV-1 antigens and antibodies. Resolves in 10-14 days but can rarely cause uveitis.
How is canine infectious hepatitis diagnosed?
Based on clinical signs, virus isolation, serology (4-fold titre rise), PCR (limited reliability), and post-mortem histopathology showing intranuclear inclusions.
How is canine infectious hepatitis treated and prevented?
Supportive care: IV fluids, blood transfusions, antibiotics. Prevented by vaccination with live CAV-2 vaccine, which also protects against CAV-1 without causing ‘blue eye’.
What causes kennel cough and what are the main agents involved?
Kennel cough (ITB) is a multifactorial respiratory disease mainly caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus. Other agents include CAV-1, CAV-2, CHV, and CRCoV.
Describe the pathogenesis of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection.
A gram-negative motile bacterium with flagella; adheres to respiratory cilia, releases toxins (tracheal cytotoxin, dermonecrotic toxin), damages mucosa, evades immune responses.
How is Bordetella bronchiseptica diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosed by culture or PCR of nasal/pharyngeal swabs. Treated with doxycycline; resistance common to amoxicillin and TMP-S. Mucosal vaccine provides 1-year protection.
What are the clinical features and transmission of kennel cough?
Acute, paroxysmal coughing, nasal/ocular discharge. Transmitted by airborne droplets and contaminated fomites. Bordetella can survive in moist environments for months.
Describe canine parainfluenza virus (CPiV) in kennel cough.
CPiV infects upper respiratory tract causing mild signs. Co-infection with Bordetella worsens disease. Diagnosed by PCR/serology. Vaccination provides annual protection.
What role does CAV-2 play in respiratory disease?
CAV-2 infects upper respiratory tract, occasionally intestinal/neurological signs. Diagnosed by PCR. Vaccination with CAV-2 provides long-lasting cross-protection for CAV-1 and CAV-2.
Describe the characteristics and emergence of canine influenza virus (CIV).
H3N8 CIV emerged in greyhounds in Florida 2003/04, causing haemorrhagic pneumonia. Spread in US; rare in UK. Diagnosed by PCR; inactivated vaccines available in US.
What is known about canine herpes virus (CHV-1) and CRCoV in respiratory disease?
CHV-1 causes mild rhinitis and ocular changes; controversial role in ITB. CRCoV first identified in 2003 UK kennel, causes reversible mucosal damage; predisposes to co-infection.
What are management and treatment recommendations for kennel cough?
Good hygiene, isolate infected dogs. Antibiotics (doxycycline, TMP-S, amoxicillin) for 10–14 days. Anti-tussives and bronchodilators if no bronchopneumonia. Nebulisation if secretions present.
