Bacterial Infection of the Blood (Sepsis) in Dogs

 

Bacteremia and septicemia occur when the persistent presence of bacterial organisms in a dog's bloodstream becomes systemic, meaning that it has spread throughout the body. This is also referred to as blood poisoning, and septic fever. This condition becomes very dangerous when it leads to abnormally low blood pressure and high body temperature, and can be fatal if left untreated. In severe cases, when the condition has progressed to septic shock, treatment alone will not be enough to save an animal.

 

Symptoms and Types

 

There are several signs and symptoms of both septicemia (blood infection) and bacteremia in dogs. Remember that septicemia and bacteremia are not the same thing, although they are similar, and are often used interchangeably.

 

• Sepsis and bacteremia in dogs may develop slowly or suddenly
• Signs and symptoms may vary, or they may involve many different organ systems, including the cardiovascular system
• Symptoms are often confused with the signs and symptoms of many other immune-regulated diseases
• Clinical symptoms are often more severe when the organisms involved are gram-negative organisms. These types of organisms are more likely to cause diseases in the dog
• Typically, dogs will develop signs and symptoms of the disease in the gastrointestinal tract first
• Initial physical signs and symptoms typically include chills, fever, and lethargy
• Depression symptoms are common in dogs
• Tachycardia (rapid heart beat) and heart murmur are common

 

Causes

 

The causes for sepsis and bacteremia in dogs typically include exposure to gram negative organisms, or those organisms that cause diseases in their hosts, including the E. Coli bacteria. Risk factors for the disease may include an existing health condition, such as diabetes mellitus, or liver and kidney failure. Dogs that have weakened immune systems, or those that have skin infections and urinary tract infections are also at risk. Any condition that lowers the immune system places a dog at risk for contraction of a bacterial disease.

 

Diagnosis

 

A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. Before diagnosing your dog, your doctor will want to rule out other possible causes for illness. Diseases that cause similar symptoms may include immune-mediated diseases. Examples of these types of diseases can include autoimmune diseases like thyroidits or lupus.

 

Radiographic imaging may discover abscesses on the internal organs.

 

 

Treatment

 

Successful treatment involves diagnosing the problem quickly enough for the affected dog to receive prompt treatment and aggressive intervention. It is important that the problem be addressed as soon as possible due to the possible severity of the condition. Low blood pressure is the most common complication of the disease. Other complications associated with this disease include low blood sugar and electrolyte imbalances. Infections are also common. Dogs may be more prone to developing an abscess from an infected wound under the skin.

 

Nutritional support can dramatically improve the health of dogs with sepsis and bacteremia. If your dog is not able to eat by itself, it will be necessary to place an intravenous feeding tube until your dog is stable and capable of eating again. Medications that may help improve the outcome include antibiotics, antimicrobials, and specialized antibiotics that work specifically on this type of infection (as opposed to routine antibiotics).

 

Living and Management

 

It is possible for complications to occur, and a high rate of mortality is associated with this condition. The primary concerns associated with septicemia and bacteremia are electrolyte imbalances, low blood pressure, and shock. It is extremely critical to seek prompt medical attention for your dog if you suspect any type of infection is imminent or present.