Dogs can indeed get tetanus. Tetanus is an acute and toxic infectious disease common to humans and animals caused by Clostridium tetani.
The following is a detailed introduction to tetanus in dogs:
1. Pathogens:
Clostridium tetani: a gram-positive, anaerobic clostridia that is widely found in soil, dust, feces and other environments. Its spores are extremely resistant to the external environment.
2. Route of infection:
Wound infection: Dogs are infected with Clostridium tetani through deep, narrow, hypoxic wounds caused by contaminated objects on the skin or mucous membranes (such as nails, debris, rusted metal, etc.).
Umbilical Cord Infection: Newborn puppies can become infected with Clostridium tetani through an unsterilized umbilical cord.
3. Clinical symptoms:
Incubation period: usually 3-21 days (average 7-10 days), during which there are no obvious symptoms.
Prodromal stage: manifested by anxiety, restlessness, loss of appetite, and slight rise in body temperature.
Typical symptoms: Myotonic spasm, manifested by a wry smile (raised corners of the mouth, tight lips), stiff neck, arched back, stiff raised tail (like a rocket launcher), stiff and straight limbs. In severe cases, chewing, swallowing, and breathing difficulties may occur, and life-threatening symptoms such as suffocation and heart failure may occur.
Atypical symptoms: Some cases may only show local muscle spasm, such as laryngeal spasm, facial twitching, etc.
4. Diagnosis:
Clinical symptoms: Combined with the dog’s medical history (such as whether there is a recent history of trauma) and typical symptoms of muscle tonic spasm.
Laboratory examination: Bacterial culture and toxin detection of wound secretions or tissue specimens can help confirm the diagnosis.
5. Treatment:
Antitoxin treatment: Inject Tetanus Antitoxin (TAT) as early as possible to neutralize free toxins and reduce symptoms.
Supportive treatment: keep quiet, avoid light, reduce stimulation, maintain water and electrolyte balance, provide nutritional support, perform tracheal intubation or mechanical ventilation to assist breathing if necessary, control muscle spasm, and prevent complications.
Antibiotic treatment: Use antibiotics such as penicillin and metronidazole to inhibit the growth of Clostridium tetani and reduce the production of toxins.
6. Prevention:
Immunization: Regularly vaccinate your dog with tetanus vaccine to form immune protection.
Wound treatment: Once the dog is injured, the wound should be cleaned immediately, foreign matter should be removed, antibiotic ointment should be used, and the wound should be sutured if necessary to prevent the invasion of Clostridium tetanus.
Management of newborn puppies: Ensure that the umbilical cords of newborn puppies are disinfected. Tetanus vaccination of female dogs can provide partial passive immunity.
To sum up, dogs can get tetanus, mainly through wound infection with Clostridium tetani, which manifests as muscle tonic spasms. Treatment is based on antitoxins, supportive care, and antibiotics, and preventive measures include vaccinations, wound management, and management of newborn puppies. If you suspect your dog has tetanus, seek medical attention immediately.