Sepsis

• Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response caused by infections that leads to widespread organ dysfunction and failure.

• The immune system goes into overdrive, causing damage to organs and disrupting the body's ability to fight infection and heal.

• It can rapidly worsen and become life-threatening, making prompt diagnosis and treatment critical.

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Terms

• Sepsis: A life-threatening systemic response to infection that leads to widespread inflammation and organ damage.

• Septic Shock: A severe progression of sepsis, where the body can no longer maintain adequate blood pressure, leading to organ failure and worse prognosis.

• Septicemia: A blood infection, often caused by bacteria or toxins entering the bloodstream, which may result in sepsis.

• Bacteremia: Presence of bacteria in the blood, which can lead to sepsis if severe.

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Etiology

• Bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections can cause sepsis.

• Common causes include:

  • Skin infections (pyoderma)

  • Bite wounds

  • Kidney infections (pyelonephritis)

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Mouth infections (gingivitis, stomatitis)

  • Gastrointestinal diseases (gastroenteritis, colitis)

  • Respiratory infections (pneumonia)

• Dogs with compromised immune systems (e.g., cancer, on immunosuppressive drugs, very young or old) are more susceptible, but sepsis can also affect otherwise healthy dogs.

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Symptoms

• General symptoms:

  • Weakness or lethargy

  • Decreased appetite or anorexia

  • Elevated breathing rate or effort to breathe

  • Painful belly

  • Vomiting and diarrhea

  • Fever or increased body temperature

  • Limping (if caused by a wound)

  • Swelling of joints or limbs

  • Smelly wound or infection site

• Severe symptoms (in septic shock):

  • Collapse

  • Inability to maintain blood pressure

  • Organ failure signs (heart, kidneys, liver)

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Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is based on:

  • Clinical symptoms: History, physical exam, and signs of infection and systemic inflammation.

  • Lab tests: Blood cultures, CBC (complete blood count), liver/kidney function tests, lactate levels.

  • Imaging: X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans may be needed to identify infection sources.

  • Invasive diagnostics may be performed in critical cases.

• Early diagnosis (within 6 hours of symptoms) is key to successful treatment.

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Treatment

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics to fight the infection until specific bacteria are identified.

• Address the infection source: Proper wound management, draining abscesses, or treating underlying conditions.

• Supportive care:

  • IV fluids to improve hydration and blood flow.

  • Oxygen supplementation for respiratory support.

  • Medications to maintain blood pressure and normal blood sugar levels.

  • Nutritional support, often through tube feeding if the dog can't eat.

• Dogs with septic shock or severe sepsis require hospitalization in an ICU with critical care.

• Continuous monitoring and adjustment of treatments are necessary.

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Prognosis

• Survival rates depend on early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and the dog's overall health.

• Critical care and 24/7 monitoring in a veterinary facility improve chances of survival.

• Early intervention is key; with the right treatment, many dogs recover from sepsis and lead normal lives.

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Prevention

• Timely treatment of infections: Promptly address skin, urinary, respiratory, and dental infections.

• Maintain good hygiene: Clean wounds, monitor for signs of infection, and seek veterinary care early.

• Manage underlying health conditions: For dogs with weakened immune systems (e.g., on immunosuppressive drugs or cancer), special care is needed to prevent infections from progressing to sepsis.