Sometimes, as pet owners, when we are down with a fever and our dear pets come to cuddle around us, we may begin to think about the possibility of our sweet pets getting sick with a fever as well. Fever in dogs is typically characterized by a body temperature that is higher than normal, and this condition can occur for various reasons.
Fever happens with the presence of a pyrogen, which is a fever-producing substance. This pyrogen can be produced within the body, in an endogenous form, or outside the body, in its exogenous form. This pyrogen creates the release of a substance from the white blood cells; these substances will, in turn, reset the thermostat, which will reset the body. The temperature-regulating region is found in the hypothalamus, which is found within the brain.
A fever has it's benefit it provides to the body, and this is because the ability of bacteria and viruses to reproduce in the body has usually been hampered, but if the body temperatures stays above 40.5 degree for more than a day or two, it will lead to the patient getting anorexic and lethargic, and rapidly, dehydration could happen. Now, if this temperature rise persists above 41.1 degrees, then cerebral edema, bone marrow suppression, and other clotting disorders will follow suit.
With the persistence of fever comes consequences, an increased metabolic demand that will help with the maintenance of a higher temperature, which will lead to an increased requirement of fluid and calories. When a high fever gets persistent, it only lasts for about 48 hours and is considered dangerous and life-threatening.
In most cases, a dog with a fever will show reluctance with movement, loss of appetite, lethargy, dehydration, and increased heartbeat. Showing stiffness and shivering is also a strong sign we need to watch out for. With a fever being present in a dog, a thorough examination will be carried out, checking for problems within the neurological systems, the eyes, as well as the limbs and joints. Depending on the clinical signs shown, additional tests may be recommended, such as x-rays, radiographs of swollen or sore limbs and joints, cytology, echocardiography of the heart, fecal cultures, and even immunological tests that help to find out the presence of immune-mediated diseases.
When tests are carried out, the cause of the fever will be discovered, but some fever conditions do not have any reasonable cause. It is important to speak to your vet about every detail that needs to be known, their most recent vaccination, and travel experience. This will help your vet know the next line of action that will provide relief.
Antibiotics are usually prescribed for the treatment of underlying bacterial infection or to prevent bacterial infections from happening as a secondary issue. But when antibiotics are used, it is better to carry out diagnostic testing before the administration, as this is to prevent any form of interference or tampering with test results after administration. You cannot understand your dog's temperature by feeling their paws or their nose; the best way to understand the normality of the temperature is through the use of a digital thermometer.
However, since we can't use a digital thermometer every day, we can watch out for signs of shivering, vomiting, appetite loss, lethargy, and diarrhea. This is usually an indication to urgently take the test and proceed to the veterinarian's office for further confirmation and treatment.
In conclusion, remember that fever in your pet may be happening as a result of an infection, most recent vaccination, toxins, and in some cases, fever of an unknown origin. Like I say all the time, regular check-ups for pets are essential; they will save them from impending health disasters.