Q Fever in Dogs & Cats: Symptoms, PCR Testing & Home Care [2025]
Coxiella burnetii infection — a zoonotic disease affecting dogs and cats
When to See a Vet
Seek emergency care immediately
- •Persistent high fever lasting more than 24 hours with no improvement
- •Repeated seizures or uncontrollable whole-body trembling
- •Extreme weakness — unable to stand or unresponsive to surroundings
Schedule a clinic visit soon (within 24–72 hours)
- •Significant loss of appetite lasting more than 48 hours
- •Noticeably reduced activity level and unwillingness to play
- •Recurrent elevated body temperature with repeated fever episodes
01What Symptoms Indicate a Problem?
Dogs and cats with Q Fever often present with non-specific systemic symptoms; early signs may be limited to changes in alertness and activity level.
- Lethargy and noticeably reduced activity
- Significantly reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Recurring or persistently elevated fever
- Seizures or intermittent tremors
- Unsteady gait or weakness when standing
- Mental dullness and decreased responsiveness to surroundings
- Symptoms lasting more than two days warrant a clinic visit for assessment
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02How to Assess Abnormalities at Home: Key Observations and Emergency Criteria
Observing and recording at home before your vet visit helps the veterinarian quickly assess the condition and determine what tests are needed.
- Note the time symptoms started and the order in which they appeared or changed
- Measure your pet's temperature at the same time each day and record the readings
- Observe and record any changes in energy level and mental alertness
- Write down changes in appetite and how much your pet is actually eating
- Monitor frequency of urination and defecation, noting any changes in colour or consistency
- Record video or photos of any abnormal movements or seizures for the vet to review
- Bring all your notes and records to the appointment to help the vet make an accurate assessment
03How Will the Vet Diagnose Q Fever? Common Diagnostic Tests
At the clinic, the vet will use physical examination and laboratory tests to confirm the likelihood of infection and rule out other causes.
Full physical examination including temperature check and neurological assessment
Blood tests to evaluate white blood cell count and inflammatory markers
Serology (antibody testing) to assess the immune response
PCR testing to detect pathogen DNA (requires a specialist or PCR-capable laboratory)
Bacterial culture or additional tests to rule out co-infections
Imaging (such as CT) if needed to evaluate organ or neurological involvement
Seek a clinic with PCR capability or specialist testing for a confirmed diagnosis
04Treatment and Care After Diagnosis: Medications, Diet Adjustments & Care Guide
Treatment decisions depend on test results and clinical status, with regular monitoring of symptoms and laboratory findings required.
- Your vet will determine whether antimicrobial therapy or supportive care is needed
- Provide supportive care as directed, such as keeping your pet warm, maintaining hydration, and managing nausea
- Schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor blood test results and clinical symptoms
- Repeat PCR or serology tests as needed to evaluate treatment response
- Isolate your pet at home and increase environmental cleaning and disinfection
- Continue recording appetite and temperature changes and report them to your vet
- If symptoms persist or worsen, arrange a specialist follow-up as directed by your vet
05What to Prepare Before Your Vet Visit: Key Information to Help Pinpoint the Cause
This content is for reference only and cannot replace a professional veterinary diagnosis. If your pet shows signs of illness, please seek veterinary care promptly.