With summer coming, knowing the signs and symptoms of hyperthermia, or an elevation of body temperature beyond normal range, can help protect dogs from getting sick or even dying.
Fever hyperthermia includes inflammation and can be associated with a bacterial infection, while nonfever variety is related to all other causes of increased body temperature, according to PetMD.com.
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Heat stroke is a form of nonfever hyperthermia. When the body’s responses to heat can’t handle excessive external heat, heat stroke can occur.
According to PetMD, heat stroke can lead to multiple organ dysfunctions. It typically occurs at temperatures of 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Excessive exercise, excessive levels of thyroid hormones in the body and lesions in the hypothalamus, or the part of the brain that regulates body temperature, can cause nonfever hyperthermia, according to PetMD.
Humidity, upper airway disease, underlying diseases, poisoning and anesthesia complications can also lead to hyperthermia.
Long-haired, short-nosed dogs with flat faces are more likely to be affected. It affects young dogs more than older dogs typically.
Symptoms of hyperthermia, according to PetMD, include:
- Panting
- Dehydration
- Excessive drooling
- Increased body temperature - above 103 degrees Fahrenheit
- Reddened gums and moist tissues of the body
- Production of only small amounts of urine or no urine
- Sudden (acute) kidney failure
- Rapid heart rate
- Irregular heart beats
- Shock
- Stoppage of the heart and breathing
- Fluid buildup in the lungs; sudden breathing distress
- Blood-clotting disorders
- Vomiting blood
- Passage of blood in the bowel movement or stool
- Black, tarry stools
- Small, pinpoint areas of bleeding
- Generalized (systemic) inflammatory response syndrome
- Disease characterized by the breakdown of red-muscle tissue
- Death of liver cells
- Changes in mental status
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors
- Wobbly, uncoordinated or drunken gait or movement
- Unconsciousness in which the dog cannot be stimulated to be awakened
