Tetanus - An Uncommon Deadly Disease In Dogs
I received a call from a dear friend involved in supporting community carers in Turkey.
She informed me about a young female dog in distress; the poor pup was unable to stand yet showed no visible injuries.
Unfortunately, in a country overwhelmed with stray animals and limited resources for assistance, the community carer had not taken the dog to a veterinarian. Despite this, she had been diligently keeping the puppy hydrated while searching for someone willing to offer help. Naturally, we immediately agreed to assist.
Community carers often face significant challenges in their efforts to provide for street animals.
While it might be easy to feel frustrated with them, especially when urgent veterinary care is delayed, the reality is more complex.
Many veterinary clinics are inaccessible to these carers due to financial constraints.
Living frugally, these dedicated individuals channel most of their resources into the care of these animals, often accruing substantial debt in the process.
Their financial struggles sometimes lead veterinarians to refuse further credit, leaving carers in difficult positions where they must make tough decisions due to limited options.
As I watched the puppy struggle, my heart ached with a mix of helplessness and concern. Her tiny body just lay there, twitching as she desperately attempted to stand, her limbs failing her.
It was heart breaking to see her reduced to such a state, unable to do the simplest things on her own.
I was relieved when she was admitted to the clinic, but my sense of calm was shattered when we received the news that she had tetanus.
This rare condition in dogs is caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, which impacts the nerves, spinal cord, and brain, leading to hyperexcitability that results in muscle spasms.
It's likely that our puppy contracted the infection from the dirt in her surroundings, where it entered her small body through a scratch or similar wound.
Puppy received intensive nursing care the moment she was admitted to clinic.
To prevent dehydration, intravenous fluids were administered, and she had a feeding tube.
She was kept on clean soft bedding to keep her comfortable & started a course of drugs to help her little body fight the toxins that were overcoming her systems.
Her room was kept dark & quiet to minimize stimulation, as loud noises and bright lights can exacerbate the muscle spasms that come with this awful disease.
The spasms became worse & she had to have medication to reduce their intensity. That was the day I knew that she was not going to make it.
When this dear little pup passed away, I felt an urge to give up. I was haunted by the feeling that I had failed her by not reaching her in time.
In clinical environments, especially when dealing with street-born dogs with unknown health backgrounds who often arrive with severe illnesses, the odds are against both you and the patient from the outset.
Although nearly all our patients recover, it doesn't ease the heartache. The sorrow from losing even one life can be utterly overwhelming.
Our consultant veterinarian, Dr. V, is an incredible source of strength. He constantly reminds me that I must not let the grief consume me and render me helpless, as there will be more dogs who will need my help tomorrow, and the day after that.
I am allowed a moment to grieve, but then I must be ready for the next dog in need. They need me just as much as the dog we have just lost & I must give them everything I have.
Yet, the ones we've lost, especially the young ones whose lives had barely begun, will forever remain in my heart.