LIFE-THREATENING BACTERIAL-INFECTION

Life-threatening bacterial infection is difficult to recognize as well as treat and continues to be a significant cause of mortality in vete rinary patients. Death, even in appropriately treated animals, is the result of the overwhelming systemic release of inflammatory mediators by the host's body. If early treatment is not instituted, death rapidl y becomes inevitable. Bacterial infection should be suspected when fev er, tachycardia, hyperventilation, lethargy, depression, anorexia, vom iting, diarrhea, and/or pain associated with the probable site of infe ction are present. Treatment consists of appropriate antibiotic therap y, aggressive cardiovascular support, and surgical removal of infected matter.