Fever – the natural fighter

Fever is a term used to describe an abnormally high body temperature. It is a good sign of the body’s own natural healing mechanism attempting to fight inflammation, pathogens, traumatic physical injury (eg. post-op), dehydration, drug-related causes, immune system disease, or idiopathic (fever of unknown origin). Short-term, mild fevers should only need a watchful eye and not be interfered with, since many invaders do not thrive in hot environments. Use of conventional medicine to reduce fever only suppresses symptoms and delays the body in finding its own way to address the cause. Although fever is a protective and helpful response to inflammation or infection, it can also be dangerous to the body because of the rise in body temperature.

It is advisable to become well acquainted with taking an animal’s rectal temperature safely — this is the only true way of knowing whether it has a fever or not. This is not a procedure that young children can manage. In addition, examine for any areas of infection such as abscesses, skin lumps, blood in the urine or straining to urinate, sneezing or breathing difficulty, lack of appetite or lethargy and changes in thirst. To aid in gently cooling the animal (not chilling) wet down areas such as the armpits, the groin, insides of earflaps, and pads of feet (which are rich with blood vessels). Note that a soaking wet coat traps in heat; towel dry excess water so that evaporation can take place.

While many cases can be monitored carefully at home, once a temperature reaches 40.5˚C or greater (in a dog), this is cause for alarm and will require emergency veterinary attention. Please also note that temperature thresholds vary for different types of animals. You may need to discuss with your vet or animal practitioner what is considered a dangerous body temperature for your particular type of animal. Ensure that water is always available to the animal!

Fever is different from hyperthermia (heatstroke), which is an increase in body temperature due to external influences such as hot weather, poor ventilation, and an inability to pant or sweat. Rapid cooling of an animal with heatstroke is a high priority to avoid brain damage or death. Immerse the animal in cold water for a short period, hose/spray, or use ice packs wrapped in towelling at the groin and armpits and take the animal to the vet hospital. Increased evaporation and cooling can also be achieved by using rubbing alcohol in water 50/50. Be careful not to cool an animal too well though, as body temperature regulation won’t be functioning effectively at this time.

Prolonged cases of fever may benefit from immune building herbs such as astragalus, goldenseal (but limit use to one week only), echinacea, and cat’s claw. The Chinese herbal preparation, called yunnan paiyao, may be useful for severe fevers with known infections.

The following are some of the commonly used homoeopathic remedies that can be administered according to symptoms. If an improvement is not seen within 24 hours or the patient worsens, either change the remedy or visit your veterinarian. Giving the same remedy too long without a result could actually worsen the situation. Reassess the animal’s condition frequently and ask for help from your homoeopath.

Aconite:
often helpful in the early stages of fever where there is sudden onset and no other notable symptoms. Other symptoms can be dry heat, red face, chilly if left uncovered but doesn’t want covers, thirst, anxiety and restlessness. Affected by cold, windy weather.

Baptisia:
rapid onset of a septic fever condition. A well animal can become very ill in a very short time with dullness, confusion and the appearance of being drunk. Breath, stool, and body odour can be offensive. Can swallow liquids only, not food.

Belladonna:
frequently follows Aconite in cases of fever and displays more agitation than in aconite. There is violent heat, anxiety or even a statue-like stance, glassy staring eyes, dilated pupils, sensitivity to light and thirstlessness. Can be the result of exposure to cold, wet weather or very hot sun.

Bryonia:
is for a slow onset fever whereas aconite is for a fast onset one. There is extreme thirst with dry mouth and lips that may also be red and sore. The feature symptom is that the patient is worse for any form of movement! Prefers to lie still, be left alone, is worse for warmth and better for cool air.

Ferrum-phos:
indicated for many early infections and flu-like symptoms. The patient is listless and may also be anaemic (check for pale gums). If the gums are closer to white take your animal to the vet. Ferrum-phos candidates tend to alternate between flushing and pallor.

Gelsemium:
suitable for a slow onset fever of long duration. This can be exhausting fever with sweats, recurrent fever with stupor, along with dizziness, trembling, slow pulse, muscular soreness, a desire to be left alone, and thirstlessness though the mouth and lips are dry.

Pyrogenium:
for a weakened animal that has suffered persistent fevers, especially of pathogenic cause. May have accompanying back pain with restlessness as a result. Gum colour may be dark or muddy rather than a healthy pink.

Further consultation can be made with your classical animal homoeopath who can provide more remedy solutions and advice on treatment, case management and other guidelines.