Symptoms of Canine Sepsis: What to Watch Out For

Section 1: Causes of Canine Septicemia

Canine septicemia occurs when bacteria multiply extensively in the bloodstream, leading to a systemic infection. Common causative bacteria include Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. This condition is more prevalent in neonatal puppies, as their developing central nervous system and various organ systems are not yet mature. Their immune defenses are also weak, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bloodstream via the skin, mucous membranes, umbilical cord, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory system, potentially causing septicemia. Additionally, if the bacteria are transmitted through the placenta or during delivery, septicemia can occur even before the puppies are born.

Section 2: Symptoms of Canine Septicemia

The primary symptoms of canine septicemia include elevated body temperature, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, pinpoint hemorrhages in the mucous membranes, seizures, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, and shock. Initially, symptoms may be subtle, but they can worsen over time, leading to symptoms like bloating and seizures. If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to complications such as pneumonia and arthritis.

In neonatal puppies, the main symptoms include weakness, lack of energy, difficulty nursing, vomiting, and failure to gain weight. Severe cases may also present with symptoms like bleeding, skin rash, jaundice, bloating, rapid breathing, seizures, and shock.

Section 3: Treatment for Canine Septicemia

Adult dogs suffering from septicemia typically have an underlying condition or severe trauma that leads to secondary infections. It is crucial to seek veterinary care promptly to treat the primary illness while addressing the septicemia.

Newborn puppies with septicemia should be treated along with their mothers. The mother dog should be administered 10,000 units of streptomycin intramuscularly twice a day for five days.

For the puppies, the following treatments are recommended:

Strengthen the care for both the affected puppy and its mother, ensuring the puppy receives enough colostrum. If the puppy is unable to eat, it should be supplemented with fluids.

Administer antibiotics to combat bacterial infections. This can be done by injecting cefazolin at a dose of 3050mg per kilogram of body weight, or by giving oral polymyxin at a dose of 20mg per kilogram of body weight.

Maintain the acidbase balance in the puppy's body. Neonatal puppies with septicemia often experience acidbase imbalances, leading to metabolic acidosis. In such cases, the puppy should be administered a 5% sodium bicarbonate solution intravenously at a dose of 510 milliliters per injection.

Treat with traditional Chinese medicine to expel evil and reinforce the body's vital energy, using a formula that includes ginseng, aconite, astragalus, angelica, forsythia, isatis, salvia miltiorrhiza, and ophiopogon. The dosage is for 56 dogs at a time.

Following treatment, puppies should survive for more than 36 hours to be considered cured.

Section 4: Preventing Canine Septicemia

Preventing canine septicemia involves ensuring proper hygiene during the birthing process. The mother dog should be disinfected with potassium permanganate before and after delivery, and an extendedrelease antibiotic should be administered immediately postpartum, continuing for at least three days. In daily life, it is important to treat any signs of discomfort promptly, clean wounds thoroughly, and take prescribed antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections that could lead to septicemia.

This concludes the introduction to canine septicemia by Oxygen Pet Doctor. We hope this information has provided you with a deeper understanding of this condition and how to care for your furry friend!