Page 389 - Problem-Based Feline Medicine

19 – THE PYREXIC CAT 381

Classical signs—Cont’d Onset of fever is idiosyncratic and variable, but the
fever is generally present for the duration of the drug
● Pain on palpation. treatment.
● Moderate fever approx. 39.2˚C–40.0˚C
(102.5–104.0˚F). Tetracycline is the most common antibiotic cause of
drug-induced fever in cats.
See main reference on page 52 for details (The Dyspneic Amphotericin B can cause fever by disrupting cell
or Tachypneic Cat). membranes and releasing pyrogens into circulation.

Be aware that other drugs (griseofulvin, chlorampheni-
Clinical signs col and chemotherapeutic drugs) can cause bone mar-
row suppression leading to a cat with fever, neutropenia
Cardiovascular compromise may result in tachycardia,
and secondary bacterial infection. These cats are obvi-
hypovolemia or hypotension.
ously sick, whereas the drug-induced fever animals are
Respiratory compromise may produce dyspnea/ bright and alert in comparison.
tachypnea due to pneumothorax, hemothorax or
pyothorax.
Diagnosis
External injuries including abrasions/bruising, de-
Diagnosis is based on history and clinical signs.
gloving injuries, bite wounds and open fractures may
● History is of treatment with fever-inducing drugs,
be evident.
especially tetracycline and amphotericin B.
Internal injuries may result in abdominal pain from ● Clinical signs are inappropriate, that is, the cat
organ rupture, bone/joint pain or focal swelling. appears bright and alert although febrile.
Fever from inflammation may occur but often lags Temperature normalizes after drug is discontinued.
behind acute injury by 10–14 hours.

CHLAMYDOPHILA FELIS*
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and history. Classical signs
Radiographs of the chest, abdomen and/or limbs may ● Sneezing.
be required to characterize the injury. ● Conjunctivitis and ocular discharge.
● Nasal discharge.
Complete blood count and biochemistry panel is indicated
● Fever.
to rule out specific organ injury and primary infection.
See main reference on page 13 for details (The Cat
DRUG-INDUCED FEVER* With Acute Sneezing or Nasal Discharge).

Classical signs
Clinical signs
● Alert, febrile cat being treated with
Marked conjunctivitis is the predominant sign, which
antibiotics or antifungal agents.
often starts unilaterally, but usually progresses to both
eyes.
Clinical signs
Classic triad of upper respiratory infection signs
History of treatment with antibiotics or antifungal including oculonasal discharge and sneezing.
agents.
Serous ocular discharge accompanied by blepharo-
Fever does not correspond to clinical appearance of spasm, chemosis and conjunctival hyperemia are initial
animal. Cats are bright, alert and responsive, despite a signs. Discharge becomes mucopurulent over the
temperature in the range of 39.4–40˚C (103–104˚F). course of the disease.