Random infection

[Cait73]

My dog (1) has had a temperature of 42 since Wednesday she's lethargic and barely eating

Not dehydrated

We decided to not hospitalise her because she's frightened of people recovery is more hopeful at home. We've gone to the vets every day for antibiotics anti inflammatory pain relief and anti nausea but today they're shut, I have medication to give her at home

My worry is she doesn't seem to be getting any better is it usual for a dog to run a temperature for this long?

The vet says she has a chest infection and possibly another infection going on, I've got all the emergency surgery contact details should she get worse

I'm SO worried, I can't get her to eat so no idea how I'm going to get a tablet down her

But surely she should have turned a corner by now? Any advice or encouragement hugely welcome at this stage, thank you

No idea on that one sorry @Cait73

Have they said if the antibiotics would be more effective if they were given via IV?

No they didn't say, the problem is Peggy can't bear people coming near her so even the initial examination was very hard for her. I don't think they fancy their chances getting a line in I don't either if I'm honest

It's the lethargy that would worry me hugely. Perhaps she could be sedated and admitted if she isn't getting better at home. What is the cause of her fear of people?

How is she now @Cait73?

For the tablet can you wrap a piece of ham or chicken around it , then gently but firmly open her mouth and tilt her head back placing it towards the back of her mouth, she should then close her mouth instinctively and if you hold her head a bit up and her mouth closed she should swallow.
Sorry that was long and hope makes sense but I find it works even on our fussy sensitive whippet.

@Spanielsarepainless she's got a respiratory infection not considered stable enough to be sedated unless urgent

@disneylover367 tried ham, chicken, cheese, cream cheese, sausage and then I ran out of tablets!

On a happier note Peggy saw a different vet today she allowed him to complete a more thorough examination. She's poorly but the vet is confident it's nothing "sinister" she just needs more time (on antibiotics) which were administered by injection today.

I'll try oral method again tomorrow failing this the vet will meet me at the practice, it's costing a fortune but at least she's getting the medication she needs.

Tonight her temperature is slightly reduced she's tired but she has been up a bit more.

I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced a poorly pup with a lengthy recovery, to me it seems like a long time.

@disneylover367 she locks her jaw too you can't prize her teeth apart, my last Shihtzu was exactly the same bad in 12 years I never got a tablet down him!

oh no so frustrating, once they do that nothing will get through! Thats good she had antibiotics by injection and that she has been up a bit more.

Im guessing her little body is working hard to get rid of the infection so she is sleeping/resting more. Fingers crossed, it is positive the vet said nothing sinister .
But still worrying for you no doubt x

@disneylover367 yes the lockjaw thing is REALLY infuriating especially as she also has a tendency to pick up weird and interesting things that shouldn't be in her mouth!!

We're on day 6 of a very high temperature barely eating and daily trips to the vets for antibiotics and anti inflammatories

Which is very expensive on a Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday

But never mind that, she's not getting any better if there's no improvement tomorrow it's in for bloods and ultrasound