Feline neonatal sepsis.

When bacterial infections exceed or overcome the ability of a kitten's immune system to provide protection, life-threatening illnesses such as neonatal sepsis often occur. Many kittens with neonatal sepsis show unusual presentations or a wide variety of clinical presentations that may not be immediately recognized as being associated with sepsis. Because neonatal sepsis causes unexpected sudden death, kittens suspected of having sepsis should be treated immediately. In most instances, initial antimicrobial therapy is selected empirically. Kittens are treated by giving intravenous or intraosseous fluids for dehydration, oxygen to counter tissue hypoxemia, and glucose if hypoglycemia is present. The beta-lactam antimicrobial agents such as the penicillins, cephalosporins, and the combination of beta-lactam antimicrobials and beta-lactamase inhibitors are considered to be the first choice in the treatment of any septicemic kittens.