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Tetanus in Cats – Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is an infection caused by the bacteria called Clostridium tetani. Almost every person is aware of tetanus due to having gotten the vaccine for the disease. The bacteria make a neurotoxin (called tetanospasmin toxin), which causes painful muscle contractions and spasms. The bacteria exist in manure, soil, and the intestinal tracts of various animals, where it does not create disease. They are obligate anaerobes (meaning they live in situations where there is little to no oxygen) in warm-blooded animals. 

It affects several mammals, including humans, but is quite rare in cats as they seem to be resistant to the impacts of the toxin. The bacteria makes spores that are highly hardy and resistant to heat and a lot of disinfectants. When spores are found on the body, if the situation are right and there is no oxygen (for example, if the injury is deep or has closed over), they develop into the vegetative form, making a toxin.

Tetanus in Cats

Causes of Tetanus in Cats

The most basic cause of tetanus is a deep puncture wound caused by a dirty object that is infected with the bacteria named Clostridium tetani. However, when the deep puncture wound is not quickly and properly cleaned and cured by a veterinarian, the bacteria can pass infection to the dead tissue and release the toxin that causes tetanus toxemia, or lockjaw. Moreover, it should also be noted that this bacterium is more common in the soil of warmer environments.

Symptoms of Tetanus in Cats

Symptoms of tetanus appear between 10-14 days after contact with the pathogen and may include – 

Diagnosis For Tetanus in Cats

Treatment Of Tetanus in Cats

Treatment aims to kill the bacteria as well as supportive care, which is very labour-intensive.

Recovery of Tetanus in Cats

Your cat’s recovery is highly dependent upon how quickly your cat gets a diagnosis and treatment after passing infection spreads to the puncture wound. Your veterinarian may need your cat to stay at the veterinary clinic or hospital all night or for many days for treatment and observation. You may need to take your cat in once or more to have the wound cured and cleaned. 

You will need to manage all medicines constantly, following the instructions given by your veterinarian. The veterinarian also determine to vaccinate your cat from future cases of tetanus toxemia. The prognosis for a cat that is cured quickly is frequently good, but the prognosis for a cat with a wound that goes uncured for any time is prone to more grave.

FAQs

How can to understand if a cat has tetanus?

Affected cats develop muscle stiffness in the limb or muscles nearest to the wound. In addition to muscle stiffness, muscle tremors may also be seen. Localized tetanus can progress to generalized tetanus with time, even though this does not always occur. Generalized tetanus affects widespread parts of the body.

Do cats have a chance of getting tetanus?

Cats are highly resistant to the tetanus toxin, which means they frequently have a long incubation period. When they do develop tetanus, it generally only affects the part around the wound.

What to do when we suspect that our cat has tetanus?

If you suspect that your cat has tetanus, then it is important to immediately visit a veterinarian. The veterinarian then assesses the symptoms and observes any wounds and may perform tests to confirm the diagnosis.