Canine infectious hepatitis HELP

kidscarol

I am caring for my 4 month old blue heeler pup who is recovering (I hope) from Canine infectious hepatitis. We just got him 2 weeks ago from a rescue shelter, and he apparently was infected there. He supposedly had received one set of vaccinations in May, and our vet vaccinated again as soon as we got him. He has the "Blue eye" of the disease and seems to have very limited vision right now. Vet put him on antibiotics for the secondary bacterial infections associated. Vet says next two weeks should show if he will fully recover. His case, while not minimal does not seem as severe as some I have read about on-line. His major symptoms are (and have been all along) extreme lack of appetite, and lack of energy. My major question is how to get him to eat. Any suggestions for food, supplements, anything that will help? He seems to like scrambled eggs more than anything. Any advice, please?
Also, anyone with experience with this illness?

bigdawgs

baby food or Rebound, which is a food replacer for convalescing dogs.

Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a worldwide, contagious disease of dogs with signs that vary from a slight fever and congestion of the mucous membranes to severe depression, marked leukopenia, and prolonged bleeding time.
ICH is caused by a virus, canine adenovirus 1 (CAV-1). CAV-1 is resistant to lipid solvents and survives outside the host for weeks or months, but a 1-3% solution of sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) is an effective disinfectant.
Ingestion of urine, feces, or saliva of infected dogs is the main route of infection. Recovered dogs shed virus in their urine for ≥6 mo. Liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs are the main target organs. Chronic kidney lesions and corneal clouding (“blue eye”) result from immune-complex reactions after recovery from acute or subclinical disease. Signs vary from a slight fever to death. The mortality rate is highest in very young dogs. The incubation period is 4-9 days. The first sign is a fever of >104°F (40°C), which lasts 1-6 days. Signs are apathy, anorexia, thirst, conjunctivitis, serous discharge from the eyes and nose, and occasionally abdominal pain and vomiting. Enlarged tonsils, may be seen. There may be subcutaneous swelling of the head, neck, and trunk. Clotting time is directly correlated with the severity of illness. It may be difficult to control hemorrhage, which is manifest by bleeding around deciduous teeth and by spontaneous bruising. Respiratory signs usually are not seen in dogs with ICH; however, CAV-1 has been recovered from dogs with signs of infectious tracheobronchitis and from dogs with respiratory signs induced by exposure to the nebulated virus.
Blood transfusions may be necessary in severely ill dogs. In addition, 5% dextrose in isotonic saline should be given, preferably IV. Modified-live virus vaccines are available and are often combined with other vaccines. Vaccination against ICH is recommended at the time of canine distemper vaccinations.

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