The Galway Independent together with the Galway SPCA has launched an educational programme in an effort to reduce cruelty to animals. Each week we will put together questions from the public on animal welfare. These questions will cover all animals. It the little things we have to do that makes the big difference in our pet's life, like vaccinations, worming, de-fleaing, neutering, proper diet, and exercise that make life so much easier for your pet and you.

We have left the cats section on lupus and the kidneys till the New Yar. Instead, to day we will look at hepatitis in dogs and cats. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver and we will give you some of the common causes.

Canine Hepatitis

This disease is caused by a virus, and it's not infectious to other dogs or humans. All breeds are at risk but in general it affects dogs over five or pups. A dog can pick it up from inhaling or injecting the virus from an infected dog, via urine, nasal or eye secretions. Once in the dog's body it attacks the cells of the liver, the eyes, kidneys and the inner linings of the blood vessels.

Now many dogs will show no signs, some may have a cough and will lose their appetite and have a little fever for a few days, some dogs may develop a blue colour in their eyes called 'blue eye' which will last for about two weeks - all these dogs will become immune to the virus. However, some pups and dogs will become very ill and can develop internal bleeding, liver disease, mouth and eye inflammation, as well as attacking the brain and spinal cord. Make sure to visit the vet immediately - there is no cure for hepatitis but it can be treated with antibiotics and medicines.

We would recommend that all pups and dogs get the vaccine that is available.

In cats, it is usually overweight cats and those with diabetes that contract hepatitis. Things like stress, moving and their owner being ill can trigger lack of appetite which can trigger the disease. Signs to watch for are weight loss, drooling, jaundice, diarrhoea, and vomiting - again get to your vet immediately. Diabetic cats should be watched as they can get lipidosis. With cats there are various forms of hepatitis, so it is vital to get the disease checked out immediately, as some forms are fatal.

This article is dedicated to the memory of Ming, a special little lady.

At this time of year it's important to have a quick word on Christmas and the giving of pets as presents. We would ask you not to do so, as Christmas is the worst time to introduce a new pet to your home. You will be having visitors, parties, noise, decorations and people calling all the time which can be very unsettling for a new pet to adapt to. Also please do not surprise someone with a pet, they may not want it and it could put the animal's life in danger if it is dumped.

Our email address is This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or send a postcard to Pet Peeves, c/o GSPCA, St Augustine St, Galway.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment