Our dog, Sara, was spayed and contracted tetanus when she went out in the back yard.  We were'nt warned about the dangers of tetanus.  We went to 3 vets before it was diagnosed.  She is in intensive care and we don't know if she'll make it.  Anyone else had experience with tetanus?  Please pray for Sara.  Thanks,  Ann

Oh, Ann, I'm so sorry, what an awful thing.  Will send up a prayer for Sara and I truly hope she pulls through. Please keep us posted as to how she is doing.

Best wishes

Lesley

Sorry Ann, no experience of it but sorry to hear about your dog & hope she pulls thru.
It`s not that common so I don`t suppose the vet would think of warnings, except the usual of keeping the wound clean. The risk of it is there to all of us not only dogs thru any kind of cut, little or big.
Positive thoughts sent your way :)

Christine, Spain.

So sorry to hear of your pup's illness, as Christine has said any mammal can pick it up through any break in the skin, humans, in the uk at least, are given inoculations against it but I don't thing dogs are unless you ask for it. In the UK it is very rare to see a case and not something you would expect, so you would have been lucky if it had been picked up straight away. Hope there is some improvement soon I have know idea how the illness effects the dog.

Hello Everyone,
  Thanks for all your concern.  Sara is now in her 5th day of treatment.  She is on IV, valium drip, and penicillin.  She is able to walk and wag her tail, but can't eat or drink.  We are praying her muscles will loosen up and she will regain control over swallowing, etc.  I'll post any changes.   Ann

see update posting

see update

see update

how awful - will be thinking of you both.  It's hard to think how you could prevent this happening, though - surely you can't really avoid letting the dog out in the back yard once it's home?  We were planning to have Molly done after her first season - is there some way of lessening the risk of tetanus?

Yes.  Make sure she doesn't get dirt on her incision.  I would also ask the vet about keeping the incision clean, using hydrogen peroxide or surgical scrub.  We have alot of dirt in our back yard, so if your yard is mostly grass and your dog does dig, she'll probably be fine.  Just keep an eye on it and don't hesitate to call the vet with any concerns.  Ann

Our lilly contracted Tetanus 3 months ago
She was in intensive care for 2 weeks and came home
unable to walk or go to the toilet properly
She could however eat and drink
Now 3 months later she is able to walk for a couple of miles outside and goes to the toilet unaided
But she has difficulty walking indoors
she cannot run nor can she climb stairs
Does anyone know of a dog who has made a full recovery?

I've read about several cases where there is a full recovery, usually takes time.  For hope, go to www.berkshirevet.com/caselucy.htm
  Maybe hydrotherapy would help.  Best of luck with Lilly.  Each dog recovers differently.  Ann

Here is an update on Sara.  This morning the vet called me and said Sara had started eating!  She is home now and doing well.  She still has a long way to go, but we are so happy she's alive and home and on the road to recovery.  Thanks to all of you for your prayers, concern, and positive thoughts.   Ann

I'm so glad to hear that - give her a cuddle from me.