ALI

Ali was actually a colleague's case. He was admitted due to a non-healing and infected wound. Prior to admittance, he underwent umbilical hernial repair from another establishment. Yet, days after the surgery, the owners noted that the surgical incision was swollen with pus and fluid oozing and is actually not healing. Upon assessment and repair, it appears that the whole wound is actually infected and there's more pus and necrotic tissues underneath. We cleaned the area and resutured the dehisced internal layers. We left the wound open covered with wet sterile bandages with antibacterial dressing to help keep the wound clean and for new granulation tissues to form prior to closure. A few days after presentation, we also noticed something: Ali is unable to stand up. Though actually responsive and with appetite, her limbs are stiff and extended. Is this tetanus? Concerning that he had a prior history of an infected wound, we assumed that this could be the T thing. Medications against tetanus were given and Ali was monitored for a few more days - three weeks total more or less.

The picture above was taken a few days prior to Ali's release. Slowly, she was able to gain back control of her limbs and was able to stand up on her own.

Clostridium tetani, the bacteria responsible for the production of the toxin causing tetanus is actually found in the soil. It can gain entry and cause infection in pets through wounds especially deep puncture wounds or those that have been in contact with the soil or area with the bacteria. Dogs and cats are actually pretty resistant to tetanus, however, predisposing factors may make them susceptible to the disease.