Septicemia
Causes
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Septicemia is a serious, life-threatening infection that gets worse very quickly.
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It can arise from infections throughout the body, including infections in the lungs, abdomen, and urinary tract.
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It may come before or at the same time as infections of the bone (osteomyelitis), central nervous system (meningitis), heart (endocarditis), or other tissues.
Symptoms
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Septicemia can begin with spiking fevers, chills, rapid breathing, and rapid heart rate.
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The symptoms rapidly progress to shock with fever or decreased body temperature (hypothermia), falling blood pressure, confusion or other changes in mental status, and blood clotting problems that lead to a specific type of red spots on the skin (petechiae and ecchymosis).
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There may be decreased or no urine output.
Examinations and Tests
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A physical examination may show:
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Low blood pressure
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Low body temperature or fever
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Signs of associated disease (such as meningitis, epiglottitis, pneumonia, or cellulitis)
Tests that can confirm infection include
Treatment
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Septicemia is a serious condition that requires a vetrinary hospital stay.
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The animal patient may be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).
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Fluids and medicines are to be given by IV to maintain the blood pressure.
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Oxygenneeds to be be given. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection.
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Plasma or other blood products may be given to correct any clotting abnormalities.
Prognosis
Possible Complications
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Septicemia can rapidly lead to adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, and death.
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Septicemia associated with meningococci can lead to shock or adrenal collapse.
Prevention
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Appropriate treatment of localized infections can prevent septicemia.
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In certain cases, animals who are in close contact with someothers with septicemia may be prescribed preventative antibiotics.
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Last modified: Friday, 16 December 2011, 2:21 PM