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Tetanus in Cat: From Neglected Wound to Neuromuscular Disorder—Case Report



Author(s)

Maksimović Alan, Filipović Selma, Lutvikadić Ismar and Šunje-Rizvan Amila

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DOI:10.17265/1934-7391/2016.04.002

Tetanus is caused by the bacterium, Clostridium tetani, and can infect both domestic animals and man. The disease is rarely diagnosed in cats, as a consequence of their increased resistance to the neurotoxin, tetanospasmin. Mortality in animals is generally high (80%). To date these authors have not been able to locate any reports of mortality rates specific to cats. Clinical diagnosis is based on clinical signs and a history of an untreated penetrating wound. This case report describes the development of moderate generalized tetanus in an approximately six month old female stray cat, found with an untreated wound on the side of its neck. This report describes clinical signs, treatment and recovery of the animal.

Feline, neglected wound, tetanus, therapy.