Abstract
A six-year-old, male, neutered Cocker spaniel was referred for a three-week history of progressive thoracic limb stiffness. The dog became non-ambulatory due to severe thoracic limb stiffness, which was exacerbated by external stimuli. The pelvic limbs appeared to be normal. Based on the history and the physical examination, a presumptive diagnosis of focal tetanus of the thoracic limbs was made. The dog was treated supportively with tetanus antitoxin, antimicrobials, sedation and muscle relaxants; however, this treatment did not control the muscle spasms adequately. Magnesium sulphate was added to alleviate the muscle spasms and to reduce the sedation requirements. The dog improved and was discharged after three weeks of intensive treatment.
Highlights
Tetanus is a disease characterized by prolonged muscle contraction, through the action of the neurotoxin tetanospasmin
A similar case has been described in the literature, this atypical form of focal tetanus is extremely rare and not well known amongst veterinary surgeons (De Risio et al, 2006)
The description of the clinical signs together with the videos of this case will help to increase the awareness of this atypical form of focal tetanus amongst veterinary professionals
Summary
Tetanus is a disease characterized by prolonged muscle contraction, through the action of the neurotoxin tetanospasmin. Recovery from tetanus requires the formation of new axonal terminals and treatment relies on controlling increased muscle tone until this can be achieved In this case report, an atypical presentation of severe focal tetanus is described, in which the dog had severe muscle rigidity in both thoracic limbs, without development of more generalized disease. The dog was re-examined in the hospital due to progression of the thoracic limb stiffness. The dog was non-ambulatory due to markedly increased extensor muscle tone in the thoracic limbs; the pelvic limbs appeared normal Electromyography (EMG) of the muscles of the thoracic and pelvic limbs was performed under general anesthesia, revealing no abnormal electrical activity. At the follow-up examination twelve months after hospitalization, the dog was found in good health, having made a complete recovery
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