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Treatment

Your veterinarian will treat your dog on the basis of the final diagnosis. These patients are rested until fully recovered to save body energy and avoid aggravation of symptoms. In some patients fever may be resolved on the first day of treatment, while in others it may take weeks or months to fully recover. The diagnosis and treatment of fever of unknown origin (FUO) may be expensive, extensive, and invasive. Antibiotics given with fluid therapy is the most common prescribed treatment for patients with fever, but surgery may be required for some patients to remove the source of the infection that is causing the fever. Your veterinarian will decide whether or not to use drugs for lowering your dog's body temperature.

Living and Management

Your dog will need rest and a diet high in nutrition and calories to fully recover. It is normal for the appetite to be affected while the body is feverish. If your dog does not feel well enough to eat solids, you will need to ask your veterinarian to recommend a substitution, such as a high calorie liquid supplement, until your dog does feel well enough to eat normally again.

If your veterinarian prescribes medication, be sure to fully comply with the directions given by your veterinarian, finishing the full course of medication even after the symptoms have abated. Do not give any drugs or medicines to your dog without your veterinarian's approval, as some drugs can be very toxic for dogs.