I have a dog, a three-year-old American Staffordshire, who got a tetanus infection two weeks ago. Tetanus is not common here in Oslo where I live--it has been 10 years since a dog got infected in Norway. My dog has recovered a bit, but no one can tell me how long it will take for her to get better, and if there is anything other than good care and rest that can help the recovery process.
Tetanus is very rare in the United States as well. Dogs and cats tend to have a natural resistance whereas horses and humans are the most susceptible to the illness.
Tetanus is caused by an anaerobic (living in environments free of oxygen) bacteria, Clostridium tetani, that is spread by a penetrating wound or by contamination of an already existing wound. It is killed by digestive enzymes, and therefore does not cause illness when ingested. Clostridium tetani produces two toxins, one of which, tetanospasmin, causes a blockage of neuromuscular transmission--that is, paralysis. The blockage is irreversible and recovery relies on the creation of new nerve cells.
Signs of the illness can take up to three weeks to develop after exposure has occurred. Paralysis can be localized, affecting only one limb (the one nearest the offending wound), or generalized, affecting all four legs. Death can follow due to respiratory arrest, and only occurs in those cases that go undiagnosed. Recommended treatments include:
AN ANTITOXIN: Made from equine or human serum, this serves to bind any toxin still circulating in the bloodstream looking to do damage. It doesn't undo damage, but it prevents more from occurring. It can be given intramuscularly or intravenously. The intravenous route is faster and more effective, but carries risk of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), so care must be given when using this method.
ANTIBIOTICS: These are given locally and systemically to remove any bacteria that are still living in the animal and actively producing toxin. Penicillin G is the antibiotic of choice and is given intravenously as well as in the muscle near the wound. Other antibiotics that work well include metronidazole and tetracycline.
SEDATIVES: Phenothiazines (tranquilizing agents), such as chlorpromazine, are given to stop the hyperexcitable behavior together with barbiturates, such as pentobarbital or phenobarbital, to control the convulsions. Attention must be paid to the heart rate when using these drugs. If it falls below 60 beats per minute, another drug will be needed to speed up the heart. Sedatives need to be given every three hours.
SURGERY: This may be necessary to limit the size of the wound and is generally done under general anesthesia to eliminate as much bacteria as possible. Hydrogen peroxide is a good cleansing agent for removing anaerobic bacteria and should be used often to flush the wound.
CARDIAC DRUGS: Both an increased and a decreased heart rate can result from tetanus. Usually the increased rate is corrected by the above mentioned sedatives. The decreased heart rate should be treated with atropine or glycoyrrolate as needed.
NURSING CARE: While in the recovery stage, your pet should be kept in a dark, quiet area with as little excitement as possible. She will be bedridden for a while, and will need a very soft bed so she doesn't get sores from laying on a hard surface for a long period. Your pet may have muscular spasms of the jaw--commonly called lockjaw--so it's a good idea to make her food into a gruel and feed her small amounts slowly. The muscles used for swallowing may also have spasms, so go slowly to avoid choking. If your pet does not have regular elimination, both urine and feces, touch base with your veterinarian to see if a catheter is necessary.
A full recovery is likely for both dogs and cats, and should only take about three to four weeks. Good luck!
Dr. Peter Kross, DVM, has had his own veterinary practice, the Rivergate Veterinary Clinic in New York City, since 1989. He lives in Manhattan with his three white boxers, Buchanan, Wilhelmina and Laila.
I have a dog, a three-year-old American Staffordshire, who got a tetanus infection two weeks ago. Tetanus is not common here in Oslo where I live--it has been 10 years since a dog got infected in Norway. My dog has recovered a bit, but no one can tell me how long it will take for her to get better, and if there is anything other than good care and rest that can help the recovery process.
Tetanus is very rare in the United States as well. Dogs and cats tend to have a natural resistance whereas horses and humans are the most susceptible to the illness.
Tetanus is caused by an anaerobic (living in environments free of oxygen) bacteria, Clostridium tetani, that is spread by a penetrating wound or by contamination of an already existing wound. It is killed by digestive enzymes, and therefore does not cause illness when ingested. Clostridium tetani produces two toxins, one of which, tetanospasmin, causes a blockage of neuromuscular transmission--that is, paralysis. The blockage is irreversible and recovery relies on the creation of new nerve cells.
