Contagious hepatitis

Known as Rubarth's disease.

It is caused by a virus very similar to that of distemper.

This virus also tends to affect young dogs, producing symptoms very similar to those of distemper (high fever, conjunctivitis, angina, enteritis), and a bluish-tinted keratitis (opacification of the cornea), which, although spectacular, regresses very well once cured.

Treatment is the same as for distemper.

Vaccination against contagious hepatitis is usually combined with vaccination against distemper.

The young dog may then develop post-vaccination blue keratitis, which regresses after a few days of local treatment.