Hyperthermia in dogs
Hyperthermia means a high temperature and occurs when dogs are no longer able to self-regulate and keep their temperature at the normal level. A fever is another way the temperature can be increased, but this is when the dog’s body increases its temperature to try and fight off infection or as a response to inflammation. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the two apart. Do not confuse with hypothermia, which is a dangerous drop in body temperature.
Urgent treatment may be needed if your dog has hyperthermia so please contact your vet as soon as possible for advice or, out of hours, call in any emergency for consultation with a vet doctor Dr. R. K. Mawai 📞 08319280662
Cause of hyperthermia in dogs-
It is caused by a number of factors, including bacterial infection. Non-fever hyperthermia happens when dogs cannot regulate their body temperature through panting to keep up with external heat.
Heat stroke is a form of non-fever hyperthermia where body temperatures climb above 106 degrees Fahrenheit with no signs of inflammation. Hyperthermia and heat stroke can result in loss of consciousness, organ failure, and death if they go untreated.
Sign & symptoms of hyperthermia in dogs-
- Panting and drooling
- Thick saliva
- Dehydration
- Body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit (106 degrees for heat stroke)
- Red gums and tongue
- Decreased urination
- Weakness
- Mood changes
- Unsteady gait
- Dizziness
- Tachycardia(rapid heart beat)
- Arrhythmia (irregular heart beat)
- Fluid in the lungs, which causes breathing problems
- Diarrhoea
- Black, tarry stools
- Vomiting blood
- Blood clotting disorders
- Small pinpoints of blood appearing on the body
- Inflammation all over the body
- Shock
- Cardiopulmonary arrest (heart and breathing stops)
- Kidney failure
- Liver damage
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
Diagnosis-
On the basis of sign and symptoms,blood test for complete blood count
how can you treat fever or hyperthermia in dogs-
The vet will examine your dog fully, and decide on the best treatment options for your dog. Your vet will try to differentiate between a true hyperthermia and a fever as they are treated differently.
Possible treatment options include: cooling them with a fan or cool water, drugs to calm them down and starting them on intravenous fluids (a drip).
If your vet suspects your dog has a high temperature due to a fever then they can use drugs to try to help bring the temperature down along with other cooling measures if needed.
If your dog’s temperature is high enough they will be trying to get it down before multi-organ failure is reached as this can need prolonged periods of intensive care and may be fatal.
