Diagnostic investigations in 101 dogs with pyrexia of unknown origin

Records from 101 dogs presented for investigation of unexplained pyrexia we re reviewed. The most common diagnosis was immune-mediated disease (22 per cent of cases), with immune-mediated polyarthritis accounting for 20 per ce nt of all diagnoses. The frequency of positive results obtained in investig ative tests was also assessed. Cytological and radiological examinations pr ovided a high diagnostic success rate, although routine haematology and pla sma biochemistry were also useful screening tests. On the basis of these re sults it is suggested that, in the investigation of unexplained pyrexia, a diagnosis of immune-mediated polyarthritis should be excluded before less c ommon diagnoses are considered.