Case Presentation by:  C.J. McKinne-Sanderson, Natalie Warren, Arlene Amato-Lamb

Patient Profile: "Fairlane", a 6-month old, spayed female German Shepherd.

History: "Fairlane" presented to the emergency service on 8/14/98.   Her owners were concerned about the changes in her body features/facial expressions.  "Fairlane" had always been a healthy dog.  She was spayed approximately 10 days ago.

Physical Examination:  Heart rate = 110/minute.  Pulse rate = 110/minute.  Respiratory rate = 44 breaths/minute.  Body weight = 21.55 kg. "Fairlane's" attitude and gait were abnormal. Capillary refill time and hydration status were normal.  She was in moderate respiratory distress but the chest ausculted normally.  The abdomen palpated normally.  She had mild extensor rigidity.  Her ears were pulled toward midline.  Her pupils were small and her third eyelids were occasionally protruding.

Laboratory Findings:   Leukocytosis (32,300 cells); neutrophilia (29,100).  Hyperphosphatemia (7.8 mg/dl).   

Questions:   

• How is the diagnosis of tetanus made?
• Which two drugs should be given to treat the tetanus infection?
• How would you treat the hypertonia to achieve muscle relaxation?
• What other types of supportive care are important?
• What is the prognosis for tetanus?

Answers and Discussion:

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Copyright Wayne E. Wingfield, DVM and Brenda McClelland, DVM, Colorado State University, 1999. All rights reserved.
This page was last edited:  12/14/99