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.
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 –
- Localized symptoms around the part of the wound. Outstretched limbs begin with spasms and later become fully rigid.
- In some conditions, a day or so after localized firmness occurs, generalized stiffness and inflexibility will present in a lot of the main muscle groups as the nerves all over the body become affected.
- Contractions may appear with anything that stimulates the cat (hyperesthesia), like sound, light, and even a light touch. The ears are straight, the jaw muscles are involuntarily locked, making drinking, eating, and breathing hard. Fixed contracture of the face muscles may result in a ‘grin’ like visuality, called risus sardonicus.
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Uplifted third eyelids.
- As the disease progresses, the whole body may become stiff, causing the cat to lie on his side with his limbs unfolded.
- Mild elevation in temperature due to enhanced muscle activity.
- Seizures may appear in advanced cases of tetanus.
Diagnosis For Tetanus in Cats
- There is no diagnostic test for tetanus, the veterinarian will do a full physical examination of your cat and get a medical history from you.
- Diagnosis is based on showing symptoms like limb stiffness and hardness in the muscles. A wound close to the part of muscle spasms/rigidity will increase your veterinarian’s index of suspicion; however, in some conditions, the wound may have healed over before symptoms of tetanus become visible.
- In some conditions, the veterinarian may select to check for tetanus antibodies in the blood serum.
Treatment Of Tetanus in Cats
Treatment aims to kill the bacteria as well as supportive care, which is very labour-intensive.
- Antibiotics (generally penicillin or metronidazole).
- Cleaning and care of the wound.
- Tetanus antitoxin is a product administered through intravenous injection to counteract the toxin. This only works on the toxin that has not yet bound to the nerves. There is a chance of anaphylaxis with this as it is made from the blood of another animal (horse).
- Sedatives to manage spasms, seizures, and to aid in managing over-stimulation.
- Muscle relaxants to ease muscle stiffness.
- Tube feeding may be important for some cats.
- Soft bedding and constant turning to avoid bed sores developing.
- Keep the cat in a peaceful, dark room to avoid overstimulation.
- It can take a lot of weeks for your cat to recover from tetanus.
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.
