Tetanus in Pets: A Case Report of a Dog with Stiff Ears, Cherry Eye, and Lateral Strabismus
Tetanus is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system and causes muscle spasms and rigidity. It is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, which can enter the body through wounds or punctures. Tetanus can affect dogs and other mammals, but it is more common in horses and humans than in dogs.
A male dog was presented at Aycardo Veterinary Center Inc. (AVCI) with complaints of inappetence. Upon checkup, it was noticed that the dog had stiff and standing ears with the third eyelid gland protruding (like cherry eye). Since the dog was hairy, it was not visible if there was constriction of the forehead muscle and of the snout. These signs suggested a possible case of tetanus, as they are consistent with the facial muscle spasms that can occur in this condition.
The dog was treated with metronidazole and citicoline, which are two drugs that have different mechanisms of action and can help patients with tetanus. However, after several days, the pet was exhibiting lateral strabismus (wall eye), which is a condition where one or both eyes deviate outward from the nose. This sign indicated that the tetanus toxin had affected the nerves that control the eye movements, causing them to lose coordination.
The diagnosis of tetanus can be challenging, as there is no specific test to detect the bacteria or its toxin in the body. The diagnosis is usually based on the clinical signs and history of exposure to a wound or puncture. In some cases, a culture or PCR test can be performed on the wound site or tissue samples to confirm the presence of C. tetani, but this is not always reliable or available.
The treatment of tetanus involves supportive care, antibiotics, antitoxin, and muscle relaxants. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that can kill anaerobic bacteria, such as C. tetani, by interfering with their DNA synthesis. Metronidazole can also reduce the production and release of the toxin by inhibiting its precursor molecules. Metronidazole can be given orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the infection.
Citicoline is a drug that can enhance the function of the nervous system by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in muscle contraction and relaxation. Citicoline can also protect the nerve cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. Citicoline can be given orally or intravenously, depending on the clinical condition of the patient.
After three weeks of treatment, the dog showed remarkable improvement and his abnormal clinical signs disappeared. He regained his appetite and his ears, eyelids, and eyes returned to normal. He was discharged from AVCI with a good prognosis.
This case report illustrates that tetanus can occur in dogs and that it can present with unusual signs, such as stiff ears, cherry eye, and lateral strabismus. It also demonstrates that metronidazole and citicoline can be effective drugs for treating tetanus in dogs, as they can target both the bacterial infection and the nerve damage caused by the toxin. Tetanus is a preventable disease that can be avoided by proper wound care and vaccination. Pet owners should consult their veterinarians if they notice any signs of tetanus in their pets.
