Pet Health: Fever and Infection
Increased temperature (hyperthermia) is a method used to fight infection. Hyperthermia is so successful in helping control infection that immune systems of a wide range of creatures evolved to use it—from warm-blooded animals, such as humans, dogs, cats, horses, and birds to cold-blooded creatures, such as worms. Hyperthermia is triggered by many different diseases and infections, including E. coli, salmonella, clostridia and streptococcus bacteria.
As useful as an increased temperature is in fighting infection, when the temperature is too high, it damages the brain and can cause seizures. When pets have an infection that appears overwhelming and the temperature rises more than 2-3 degrees above normal, it’s best to use antibiotics that kill bacteria and antipyretics that lower fevers. Cool water baths and fans also help lower fever. It is also important to encourage pets to drink more water or broth because fever causes dehydration.
Among the signs and symptoms we see when pets develop infections are
Fever (warm dry nose),
listless behavior,
pain, and
loss of appetite.
Pets may also become constipated as water that normally passes into the feces is reabsorbed to cool the body. When pets develop these symptoms, contact your veterinarian and discuss the best treatment.
0 Response to "Pet Health: Fever and Infection"
Post a Comment