Definition
Fever is defined as an elevated body temperature (>103°F |>39.5°C}) due to an altered hypothalamic set point.
Young patients are more likely to have infectious causes. Middle-aged patients are more likely to have noninfectious inflammatory diseases. Older patients are more likely to have neoplastic causes.
Temperatures >106°F (>41.1°C) may cause multiple organ dysfunction, disseminated intravascular coagulation and death.
HISTORY
Lethargy, depression, and anorexia
Depression
Lethargy
Tachycardia
Hyperpnea
Dehydration
Joint pain or swelling with monoarthritic or polyarthritis Heart murmur may indicate endocarditis, especially if new in onset and/or diastolic Chorioretinitis with infectious disease Localized swelling and/or pain with cellulitis or abscesses
TREATMENT
Acute General Treatment
Intravenous crystalloid fluid therapy
Mechanical cooling methods such as cool
water baths or fans for fevers>106°F
41.1°C)
Antipyretic agents (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory [NSAIDs), to be given only when the patient is fully hydrated) may be considered for fevers >106°F (>41.1°C) that do not respond to fluids and cooling.
Chronic Treatment
Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy may be initiated. Commonly used empiric antibiotics include amoxicillin-clavulanate 10-20 mg/kg PO q 8-12h and enrofloxacin 5-10 mg/kg (dog), 5 mg/kg (cat) PO q 24h;
5-15 mg/kg PO q 8-12h; if tick-borne disease is suspected, doxycycline 10 mg/kg PO q 24h or 5 mg/kg PO q 12h.
The use of NSAIDs in combination with glucocorticoids should be avoided.