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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Tetanus in 20 dogs treated with antibiotics and antitoxin

By Bandt, Carsten et al.Ā·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital AssociationĀ·2007Ā·Department of Nephrology/Hemodialysis Service of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, United StatesĀ·View original on PubMed →

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Original publication title: Retrospective study of tetanus in 20 dogs: 1988-2004.

Species:
dog
Brain & nervesDogs

Plain-English summary

A group of 20 dogs, mostly young large breeds, were treated for tetanus, a serious infection that affects the nervous system. Symptoms included muscle stiffness and tremors, which can be alarming for pet owners. The dogs received intravenous antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and sedation, with many also getting tetanus antitoxin to help fight the infection. Unfortunately, half of the dogs did not survive, but those that did typically took about a month to fully recover.

People also search for: dog tetanus symptoms Ā· large breed dog muscle stiffness Ā· tetanus treatment for dogs

Abstract

The case records of 20 dogs that were treated for tetanus between 1988 and 2004 were reviewed. Young, large-breed dogs were most commonly affected. Twelve dogs had a likely source of infection identified. All dogs were treated with intravenous antibiotics and supportive care, such as muscle relaxants and sedation for muscle tremors and rigidity. Sixteen dogs received tetanus antitoxin. The mortality rate was 50%. Complete recovery in survivors required approximately 1 month.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17473020/