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Pip survives rare disease!

Pip is a 7 year old Labrador who lives with her owner Dom and family near Easingwold. She enjoys nothing better than digging after rabbits, and this resulted in her coming to Toft Lodge Veterinary Centre in April for treatment to a sore foot. Pip’s foot responded well to a course of antibiotics prescribed by vet Les Cox and she seemed to make a full recovery.

Almost 2 weeks after this incident Pip had to be brought back to Toft Lodge feeling very unwell. She had become stiff in her legs, she was having difficulty swallowing her food, and her face was completely altered (eyes half-shut, ears half-pricked and forehead screwed up). This collection of symptoms is very rare and allowed vet Nicky Lumley to make a diagnosis of Tetanus.

Pip was admitted to Toft Lodge for several days of intensive treatment and luckily this prevented her from suffering the worst stages of this disease, which can be fatal. Thankfully Pip gradually improved and within 3 weeks was back to her normal self, looking like the old Pip!

Pip showing facial changes of tetanus  

Pip fully recovered

Tetanus is caused by a bacterium found in soil (Clostridium tetani) and can affect all mammals. Dogs are relatively resistant to the infection, compared to people and horses (who are routinely vaccinated against it for this reason). The odds of surviving tetanus for dogs is probably around 50:50. The bacteria generally enter the body through a wound (Pip almost certainly contracted hers through her swollen foot), and over an incubation period of between 3 days and 3 weeks the symptoms are caused by a toxin  produced by the bacteria which affects nerves.

Pip should not suffer any long term effects of her illness, and is already happily chasing rabbits again! She provided us with an interesting and rare challenge, and we are delighted to see her fully recovered.

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