Il tetanus in the dog is an acute non-contagious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This toxin affects the nerves, spinal cord, and brain, causing hyperexcitability, which causes muscle spasms.
Although tetanus can be found in dogs and cats, it is rare in both species. Dogs are less susceptible to the effects of tetanus toxin than humans and horses.
How Can Dogs Get Tetanus?
Tetanus is typically caused by bacteria Clostridium tetani that they enter a wound. The spores of C. tetany they are widespread in the environment, are excreted in animal faeces and can survive for years in dirt and dust.
This type of bacteria does not cause any problems in the gastrointestinal tract or on an animal’s skin, but when it enters a low-oxygen environment (such as within a wound, even a small one) it can begin to reproduce rapidly and produce a toxin. notice how tetanospasmina. It enters surrounding nerves and can travel as far as the spinal cord and brain.
How to disinfect a dog wound?
What are the first symptoms of tetanus in dogs?
Typically, symptoms of tetanus in dogs develop 5-10 days later from the wound. In some cases, the signs can be seen as early as 3 days to 3 weeks after exposure.
In dogs, tetanus can take two forms and different symptoms.
Localized tetanus
It is the most common form of tetanus that occurs in pets. Affected dogs develop:
- Muscle stiffness in the limb or muscles closest to the injury;
- Muscle tremors.
Over time, localized tetanus can progress to generalized tetanus, although this does not happen systematically.
If your dog develops muscle stiffness or other symptoms of tetanus following a wound or other injury, contact your vet right away for an evaluation.
Generalized tetanus
This type of canine tetanus affects widespread areas of the body. Affected animals usually:
- They walk stiffly, with their tails raised;
- They develop what is referred to as a “tripod” stance, with all four legs straight and stiff;
- They have the third eyelid raised, the lips with a called expression sardonic laughter (from the Latin, “sardonyx rice”), the jaws rigidly closed;
- Have difficulty swallowing, resulting in inability to feed and excessive salivation;
- They are suffering from spasms within the throat or diaphragm, making breathing difficult.
Here is one video on the manifestation of tetanus symptoms in dogs.
Warning, the images are not suitable for the most sensitive people.
The diagnosis of tetanus in dogs
Tetanus in dogs is usually diagnosed based on the results of a series of tests veterinary exams. Tests are available that can be used to look for the presence of tetanus toxin or bacteria C. tetanybut they are unreliable and are generally not recommended.
If tetanus is suspected in your dog, your doctor can perform tests to assess your dog’s health. These tests may include:
- Analysis of blood and urine (to observe Fido’s general health and organ function);
- Electrocardiogram (to evaluate heart function);
- Chest radiographs (to know the presence of secondary infections and other ailments).
How to cure tetanus in dogs?
- L’tetanus antitoxincan reduce the severity of tetanus symptoms in dogs when given early in the course of the disease. It works by attaching itself to the tetanus toxin, preventing it from attaching itself to nerve cells. However, once it has attached itself to the nerves, the antitoxin will no longer be useful. In addition, it can cause significant side effects: your veterinarian will determine if tetanus antitoxin is appropriate in the care of your faithful friend.
- Even the antibiotics are used in the treatment of tetanus. Although antibiotics for dogs have no effect on the toxin, the elimination of the bacterial infection from C. tetany it will stop the release of further toxic substance.
- If you can identify one woundthe doctor can intervene on it, removing all the dead tissue surrounding the cut, with the aim of reducing most of the bacteria C. tetany and have faster control of infectious disease.
- Dogs with tetanus require intensive nursing care. THE intravenous fluids (drips) are often used to prevent dehydration in dogs and a feeding tube may be needed if the animal is unable to eat on its own.
- In addition, the tetanus-affected dog is kept in adark and quiet area to reduce stimulation, because bright sounds and lights can make muscle spasms worse (as you can see in the video above).
- Finally, they can be administered drugs to reduce the intensity of the spasms, although the fours should be monitored closely for potentially serious side effects that can be caused by them.
Tetanus in dogs can be fatal if not treated in time. At the first doubt, immediately contact your trusted veterinarian.
Are dogs vaccinated for tetanus?
Unlike man and horse, unfortunately There are no tetanus vaccines for dogs.
There is a hyperimmune serum, but its effectiveness is doubtful and it can cause side effects that could make the situation worse.
How to prevent tetanus in dogs?
The most effective way to prevent tetanus is to ensure all wounds receive a timely medical treatment.
Grazes should always be washed thoroughly, disinfected and treated with antibiotics (to further aid in the prevention of infection from the bacterial C. tetany).
Dog-to-human transmission of tetanus after a bite
When you are bitten by a dog, know that in the animal’s mouth there are bacteria which, entering the wound, can cause serious infections.
For us human beings exist the mandatory tetanus vaccine and the recallto be carried out in the case of an infected wound (and therefore at risk), but above all also as a preventive measure.
After being bitten by a dog it is important to immediately wash the wound (even if it is slight or modest) with soap, rinse and disinfect.
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Article reviewed by
Francesco Reina
Veterinary assistant