Hepatitis in Dogs- Its Causes, Symptoms, and Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Liver diseases have become very common in today's lifestyle due to several factors. One of the main reasons is an unhealthy diet that directly affects the health of the liver. This involves a diet that is rich in sugar, fat, excessive alcohol consumption, and a very minimal exercise. These lifestyle changes directly damage the health of the liver and cause various liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis. In Ayurveda, the liver is called as Yakrit and this Yakrit is the seat of Pitta Dosha which is responsible for digestion, metabolism etc. When we do Pitta vitiating Ahara-vihar then it can lead to liver diseases. In this article we are going to discuss a very crucial liver disease that is known as Hepatitis especially caused in dogs and we will explore its causes, symptoms, allopathic and ayurvedic aspect.

Introduction

Hepatitis is inflammation in the liver. A normal liver performs various functions like digestion of food, regulates metabolism, purifies the blood, fighting various infections. These functions are the same as in humans and in dogs. Hepatitis in dogs is a serious disease that is caused by canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1) which is highly contagious among dogs. This can lead to a variety of symptoms from mild to life threatening. Although, the disease is not so common in those areas where proper vaccinations are given to the pets. Still owners must be vigilant because the disease can spread very fast in small or bigger pets.

Types

Hepatitis in dogs is broadly categorized under two types, Infectious canine hepatitis and canine chronic hepatitis.

1. Infectious canine hepatitis

This is caused by Canine adenovirus 1, a highly contagious virus that can be transmitted through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. This virus mainly targets the liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen and many other vital organs.

2. Canine Chronic Hepatitis

This one may be referred to as the autoimmune hepatitis in dogs. Some of the breeds predisposed to this disease include Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, Maltese, Chihuahuas, and many more. This condition is associated with the first one.

Ayurvedic aspect

In Ayurveda, the liver is referred as Yakrit, the place of pitta dosha. Hepatitis or Jaundice is correlated by kaamla rog in Ayurveda. This is a disease of Rakta vaha srotas which involves liver, spleen, and blood vessels and is believed to be caused by an imbalance or aggravation in the pitta dosha, which is one of the three doshas responsible for various physiological and psychological functions in the body. When the pitta dosha is vitiated, it can lead to symptoms such as fever, inflammation, and jaundice.

Causes

• Dogs most commonly got infected by ingestion of infected saliva, feces of other infected dogs.
• Direct contact with the infected dog or may happen when your dog is sharing his shelter with the infected one.
• If anyone's pet has been suffering from the illness in past days then it's important for dog owners to be aware that even if their dog has recovered from the condition, they may still shed the virus in their urine for up to six months, potentially putting other dogs at risk of infection. The accumulation of copper in a dog's liver cells can lead to severe chronic hepatitis.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Hepatitis can range from mild to severe. In mild range above features can be seen in infected pet

• Enlarged tonsils
• Apathy
• Feeling thirsty
• Loss of appetite
• Blindness
• Inflammation in eyes
• Occasionally pain and vomiting can be seen
• Yellowish jaundiced eyes, ears, gums and tongue.
• Bleeding

In severe level of inflammation above symptoms can be seen

• Reddish pigmentation on the skin
• Red and bruised nose
• Seizures or fits
• Death

General Treatment

In the modern system of medicine, your vet may recommend certain broad-spectrum Antibiotics, with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressants. If cornea clouding is present in the eye, then a medicinal expert may advise you to use eye ointment. During this period your puppy should be protected from the bright light exposure. Hospitalization may be advised for intravenous fluid therapy.

Side effects

However, we all know that these allopathic medicines give us instant relief but damage our healthy cells. Many liver-improving drugs may help to improve liver health but damage the kidneys, spleen and other vital organs. They may show their bad impact on the eyesight also.

How Ayurveda is better

In Ayurvedic treatment, our Acharyas have mentioned various herbal remedies to eliminate the liver entities. They have described many herbs that are good for the liver and helps it to heal, such as Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa), bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and many more. Along with all these medicines, we should give a proper diet to the infected one, to help in improving the functions of the liver and to stimulate digestion.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Hepatitis in Dogs

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified herbal manufacturing company that produces 100% natural products. These products are free from side effects. All the medicines are manufactured under the guidance of MD Ayurveda experts and herbs that are used in formulations are of high quality that makes our product more authentic and effective. These herbal formulations are devoid of chemical preservatives, fillers, dyes and many more harmful substances. Here are some of the products listed below that are useful in hepatitis in dogs.

1. Yakrit Plihantak Churna
2. Liver Detox Formula
3. Phyllanthus Niruri
4. Livo Plan Syrup

1. YAKRIT PLIHANTAK CHURNA

This is a patent polyherbal formulation manufactured by Planet Ayurveda, it consists of best herbs like Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus Niruri), Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), many more that helps to maintain the liver health and also useful in combating the other digestion and aam related symptoms. This combination works synergistically and balances all the doshas.

Dosage : 1/2 tsp twice mixed with dog food

2. LIVER DETOX FORMULA

This is a polyherbal capsule formulation prepared by Planet Ayurveda consisting of Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), etc. These herbs help to relieve liver related disorders, useful in tridosha balancing and have purgative properties that help in cleansing the body.

Dosage : 1 Capsule twice daily mixed with dog food

3. PHYLLANTHUS NIRURI CAPSULE

This Ayurvedic formulation is manufactured under the guidance of experts and it works very effectively against the rakta vaha srotas diseases. Phyllanthus Niruri is the botanical name of Bhumiamla which is popularly known as the best herb worldwidely and also mentioned by Acharyas. It removes all the toxins from the body and supports good hepatic health.

Dosage : 1 Capsule twice daily mixed with dog food.

4. LIVO PLAN SYRUP

This product works wonderfully in Liver related disorders, it helps to retain the normal condition of the liver and improves the symptoms effectively. It contains Bhringraj (Eclipta alba), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) and many more herbs that are mentioned by Acharyas to maintain the vitality of Liver.

Dosage : 10 ml twice daily

Conclusion

Hepatitis in dogs is a serious disease but with prompt treatment and supportive care, most dogs with hepatitis can fully recover. Be sure to keep your dog up-to-date on all of their vaccinations and practice good hygiene, avoid contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Planet Ayurveda provides natural remedies to promote health and prevent disease by promoting the elimination of toxins from the body.