Wiltshire vet issues tetanus warning after dog treated

Three-year-old Labrador Yoshi was rushed to Garden Vets in Chippenham by owner Ruth John after he developed worrying signs, including stiff facial muscles and difficulty swallowing.

He was diagnosed with tetanus, which is a very rare but potentially fatal condition if left untreated.

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Thanks to the care and expertise shown by Garden Vets in Bristol Road, Yoshi has made a full recovery.

Now Ruth and the veterinary team are encouraging other owners to make themselves aware of the signs so they can act quickly should their dog become unwell.

Vet Claire Fleming, who treated Yoshi, said cases of tetanus are rare in dogs, but it’s worth knowing about the disease as a precaution.

Claire said: “Tetanus is a serious condition where tetanus bacteria release toxins that attack the nervous system leading to muscle rigidity.

“The bacteria, which is found in soil everywhere, enters the body via a wound, usually of the paws and lower legs.

“It isn’t standard practice to vaccinate dogs and cats against tetanus because they have a lower susceptibility to the disease and, fortunately, cases are rare.

“However, as in Yoshi’s case, there’s always a low possibility that it can occur.

“The best way to avoid tetanus is to make sure any wounds are cleaned thoroughly and if you’re concerned get it checked and cleaned by your vet.

“Extra care should be taken with deep or puncture wounds because tetanus bacteria thrive in conditions where there’s less oxygen.

“Tetanus can be deadly, so if you think your dog is showing any of the signs, contact your vet immediately for advice.”

Signs of tetanus can take several days to develop after an infection has occurred and sometimes may not appear until after the wound has healed.

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Signs include difficulty moving the jaw, neck or face, pricking of the ears and difference in face expression, muscle tremors or cramps, difficulty walking and changes in gait, and laying down and not wanting to get up.

It’s believed Yoshi became infected with tetanus when he damaged a claw on his front right paw when out on a walk.

Ruth took him to Garden Vets because he was finding the injury painful, and it was decided that the best course of action was to remove the damaged claw.

A few days later, Ruth brought her pet back to the practice because she had noticed that Yoshi wasn’t himself.