Before I delve into our experience, please understand that this is purely anecdotal, not a piece of veterinary advice. I am a writer, devoid of any practical expertise in veterinary medicine, nursing, nutrition, or any related field. Do not mistake this narrative for medical counsel.
A red dog, resembling a pit bull or hound mix, rests on a plush white comforter, its head comfortably placed on a white pillow. The text overlay reads: “What to do if your dog has a systemic infection.”
HOW IT ALL BEGAN…
One chilly November night, right in the middle of the month, I crawled into bed with my book and lifted the covers for Cooper, just as I did every night. He nestled under the blankets, as usual, pressing against my leg.
After some time, I realized that my leg felt unusually hot. Curiosity piqued, I lowered the covers to check on Cooper, only to discover that he was burning up. Concerned, we took his temperature, which read 104.9 degrees Fahrenheit. (For reference, a dog’s normal body temperature typically falls within the range of 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.)
In the days leading up to this, we had noticed subtle changes in Cooper. He appeared fatigued and not quite himself. On the morning of his temperature spike, he had even skipped breakfast, which, though not uncommon for him during the winter, struck us as peculiar. Instead, he spent the day napping. By the time we realized the gravity of the situation, his soaring temperature was undeniable.
The following morning, we wasted no time and secured an appointment with the vet. This marked the initiation of an intricate series of tests, therapies, and concerns that continue to persist, even two months later.
I wish to share Cooper’s journey and the insights we’ve gained along the way in the hope that it may offer assistance to others grappling with this frightening ordeal involving their dogs. Let’s begin with the fundamentals:
WHAT IS A SYSTEMIC INFECTION IN DOGS?
Put simply, it denotes precisely what the term implies: an infection that pervades the entire body, affecting the entire system, rather than being localized to a specific organ or wound.
The diagnostic procedures encompass blood panels, various imaging techniques (such as CT scans and ultrasounds), and urinalysis.
During Cooper’s initial vet visit, he exhibited signs of dehydration. Consequently, although they drew blood for testing, they deferred examining his urine right away. Instead, they administered fluids and requested a urine sample to be provided the following morning.
Upon reviewing the bloodwork results, it became apparent that Cooper’s liver enzyme levels were significantly abnormal. Consequently, his vet ordered an ultrasound. Simultaneously, we initiated a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics, along with a liver supplement.
By this juncture, as is often the case with systemic infections in dogs, Cooper’s appetite had diminished entirely. He refused even small bites of enticing delicacies, despite our extensive attempts to coax him into taking his pills. We tried an assortment of offerings, including lamb meatballs, beef stew, various types of cheese, peanut butter, sausage, eggs, and anything else we could think of to encourage him. Yet, he remained unyielding.
His weight had dwindled from 55 pounds to 49 pounds at this stage. Consequently, we introduced an appetite stimulant into his regimen. However, despite our best efforts, he remained dehydrated and experienced difficulty in retaining any pills. This compelled us to return to the vet’s office, where he received another round of fluids, followed by a potent antibiotic injection. The vet also implemented measures to alleviate his fever, which had spiked once more. Moreover, Cooper developed persistent diarrhea, a malady that would persist for weeks on end.
Needless to say, we were fraught with concern.
During the subsequent week, we scheduled an ultrasound for Cooper. Initially, the vet recommended an X-ray, with the possibility of ordering an ultrasound if any abnormalities surfaced in the X-ray results. We, however, decided to bypass the X-ray step entirely, assuming that the subsequent expense would be more substantial, and proceeded directly to an ultrasound. Our rationale was that this approach would yield a clearer picture and expedite Cooper’s path to receiving more effective treatment. At this point, he had been lethargic throughout the day, with no signs of appetite, plagued by nausea and persistent fever. We were resolute in our determination to alleviate his suffering as expeditiously as possible.
The ultrasound proved invaluable in ruling out the presence of masses or tumors (to our immense relief!) and facilitated the definitive diagnosis of a systemic infection.
A red pit bull mix with a graying face curls up on a beige sofa, accompanied by a tortoiseshell cat.
HELP! MY DOG HAS A SYSTEMIC INFECTION! WHAT SHOULD I DO?
First and foremost, try not to succumb to panic.
Easier said than done, I know. I spent the majority of the initial two weeks virtually glued to Cooper, incessantly monitoring his temperature and maintaining constant contact with the vet. This diagnosis is profoundly disconcerting, and your dog is likely extremely ill, making it an undeniably unsettling experience.
Here are a few strategies that proved beneficial for us when navigating Cooper’s battle against a systemic infection:
- Maintain Open Communication with Your Vet: Establish a clear line of communication with your veterinarian. Determine whether they prefer to be contacted via email or phone. Inquire about the expected timeframe for receiving test results. Clarify whether you should initiate follow-up calls or if they will be responsible for contacting you. Most importantly, be courteous and understanding, as your vet is genuinely concerned about your dog’s well-being and shares your goal of restoring your pup to good health.
- Adhere to Prescribed Therapies: Adherence to the prescribed treatment plan is imperative. The medication regimen may seem extensive, and you might feel uneasy, particularly with regard to antibiotics. However, it is essential to trust your vet’s judgment. (A side note: If you have reservations about your current vet, it is advisable to postpone changing practitioners until your dog’s condition stabilizes. Once your dog is on the path to recovery, you can then seek out a vet with whom you have greater confidence. Here’s how we found Cooper’s exceptional vet.) Comply with your vet’s recommendations, and if you perceive that the treatment is not yielding the anticipated results, collaborate with your veterinarian (see #1).
- Implement Restrictive Measures: Depending on your dog’s disposition, imposing restrictions may pose a significant challenge. This was certainly the case with Cooper, an 11-year-old dog with abundant energy. Walks, hikes, games of tug, and chase were off-limits, equating to a period of strict rest. Just as humans require rest when combating severe infections, your dog’s well-being hinges on the same principle. For dogs that derive immense pleasure from play, adhering to this directive can prove challenging. Fortunately, Cooper was too fatigued during the initial weeks to resist these restrictions, and we were fortunate to possess a backyard that facilitated brief bathroom breaks. If your dog relies on walks for bathroom outings, keep them brief and businesslike.
- Monitor Your Dog’s Condition at Home: Whenever possible, monitor your dog’s condition from the comfort of your home. Regularly measure your dog’s temperature to maintain
