Blue Eye in Dogs

Infectious Canine Hepatitis (Canine Adenovirus Type 1)

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Updated on September 26, 2024
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
Blue eye is a term used to describe cloudy corneas as a result of an infection from canine adenovirus type 1.
SEVERITY:
Severity is mild to severe

  • Diagnosis Icon
    Requires a diagnosis by a veterinarian
  • Time to Cure
    Resolves within days to weeks.
  • Treatment Icon
    Treatable by a veterinarian
  • Prevention Icon
    Vaccination can help prevent this disease but most vaccine in the US protect against CAV2 and this disease is more likely to occur with CAV1.
  • Spread Icon
    Transmission occurs via nasal contact or through objects that have been exposed to the virus.
  • Lab Icon
    Diagnosis requires physical examination, blood testing.

VERY COMMON IN
Young dogs, due to a weak immune system, are most susceptible to infection

Symptoms & Signs

About 7-10 days after exposure to the virus, the corneas appear blue or very hazy (Blue Eye). You may notice that your pet is squinting and the eye may produce excessive tears. Puppies are more susceptible to infection than adults due to their juvenile immune system. Signs such as lethargy, poor appetite, nausea, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes) and bloating may be seen if the liver is severely affected by the adenovirus infection. Young dogs, because of a weak juvenile immune system, are most susceptible to infection with canine adenovirus. Adult dogs can become infected but this is far less common, especially in dogs that have been vaccinated against the virus. There is no breed of dog that is more prone to infection than other dog breeds.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with physical examination, history and laboratory testing. If canine adenovirus infection is suspected based on these findings, more testing may be recommended by your veterinarian which may include ultrasound, x-rays and viral blood testing.

Causation

During infection with canine adenovirus, viral particles enter the bloodstream and cause infection within the eye itself. As the virus replicates within the inside of the eye, the immune system sends in cells to fight the infection which cause fluid to accumulate within the eye and cause the hazy appearance, hence the name “Blue Eye.” Blue eye is one change that occurs due to the viral infection, but the most significant damage occurs to the liver. This is why this disease is also known as infectious canine hepatitis.

Treatments

icon AT-HOME CARE
Supportive care at home will be necessary to help your pet recover.
icon SUPPORTIVE CARE
At home supportive care may include subcutaneous fluid administration and antibiotic administration prescribed by your veterinarian.
icon MEDICATIONS
Dependent on the severity of the viral infection. Dogs may be given IV fluids, antibiotics, liver antioxidants and other medications to help manage the secondary effects of liver damage.
icon DEVICES
None
icon SURGERY
None
icon SPECIALISTS
Most general practice veterinarians can diagnose and treat the condition. A veterinary internal medicine specialist or ophthalmologist may need to be consulted with for more complicated cases.

Cost Of Treatment

Varies greatly on the severity of the infection and what treatment is required. Hospitalization (if warranted) greatly increases the cost of treatment versus at home therapy.

Recovery

Depending on the severity of the infection, most patients recover. The blue haze in the eye often resolves within weeks, but in many cases the blue haze is permanent.

Monitoring

Rechecking the eye and liver values is recommended depending on the severity of the infection and if there are secondary complications.

Prevention

Vaccination is protective and very safe however most CAV vaccines in the US are targeted against CAV2. This vaccine is typically given in a series of four, starting at 6-8 weeks of age. The adenovirus vaccination is considered a core vaccine for all puppies and is part of the canine distemper/adenovirus/parvovirus combination vaccine.

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Disclaimer

The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.