Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat with severe muscle spasms and paralysis from tetanus
By A.L.D. Estivallet et al.·Published in Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia·2026·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Tetanus in feline - case report
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 13-year-old male cat was brought in with severe muscle stiffness and difficulty moving, which were signs of tetanus, a rare but serious condition caused by a bacterial toxin. After thorough testing, including MRI and spinal fluid analysis, the vet confirmed the diagnosis and ruled out other possible causes. The treatment included antibiotics and supportive care, along with a careful reduction of a medication called phenobarbital. Thankfully, after two months, the cat made a full recovery and returned to normal activity.
People also search for: cat muscle stiffness treatment · tetanus in cats symptoms · cat neurological problems recovery
Abstract
ABSTRACT The article describes a case of tetanus in a feline, a neuromuscular disease caused by the toxin tetanospasmin, produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani. This toxin interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses, resulting in progressive muscle rigidity, spasms and motor difficulties. Although tetanus is uncommon in cats, when it does occur, it usually manifests as a localized form of the disease. The case report presents a 13-year old male cat with severe neurological clinical signs, including spastic tetraplegia and cranial nerve involvement. After extensive diagnostic investigation, including magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, other potential causes were ruled out, and the diagnosis of tetanus was established by exclusion. Treatment involved antibiotic therapy, symptomatic support and gradual withdrawal of phenobarbital, which resulted in the patient's complete recovery after two months of follow-up. The report highlights the importance of clinical diagnosis with differential screening of motor neuropathies in cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4162-13525