Septicemia

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A wide variety of bacteria can cause generalized internal

infections (septicemia).  These bacteria may invade the body by

way of wounds and abscesses or as a consequence of serious

illness originally localized in the respiratory,

gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts.



Signs may be subtle or obvious and may include lethargy,

anorexia, dehydration, regurgitation of incompletely digested

food, redness to the skin and scales, or bleeding from the

skin.



The help of an experienced veterinarian is essential in these

cases.  The outlook for these patients is always guarded to poor.

The attending veterinarian may collect a specimen for bacterial

culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing, as well as one or

more blood samples to more accurately determine the extent of the

disease, whether or not various internal organs are involved,

and as a means of monitoring the patient's progress.



Treatment involves use of injectable antibiotics and appropriate

supportive care (fluid therapy, force-feeding, injectable

vitamins, etc.).  Treatment must usually be relatively long-term,

and periodic monitoring of the patient's status is essential to a

favorable outcome.