Tetanus in Cats – Tetanus is a disease that can cause catastrophic neurological disability in cats. The symptoms, treatment method, and preventative suggestions for pet owners are all broken down in this blog. However, tetanus harms the neurological systems of felines and can be fatal. Clostridium tetani, a deadly bacterium that is mainly found in soil, excrement, and some other places, is the cause of it.
Muscle firmness, spasms, and seizures are all signs of tetanus’s impact on the body’s neurological system and muscles. It can lead to swallowing difficulties, difficulties in breathing, and even death in some severe cases. An extensive review of cat tetanus and steps pet owners can take to avoid and treat the illness will be given in this blog.
Can Tetanus Affect Cats?
They can, indeed. The source of tetanus in cats is the bacteria named Clostridium tetani, which are often found in dirt, excrement, and other populated things. The bacterium releases a strong toxin that harms the nervous system and causes muscle spasms, stiffness, and seizures. Cats may get the bacteria via wounds, cuts, or punctures in their skin. This may be seen if a cat goes through surgery, is hurt by a foreign object, or fights with another animal.
However, contaminated needles or surgical instruments might also spread tetanus. Even though it happens less commonly, the germs may enter the body via contaminated food or drink. It is important to keep any wounds clean and seek proper veterinary care if your cat exhibits any symptoms of injury. To prevent tetanus in cats, the danger of bacterial exposure must be reduced, and any injuries must be treated very carefully.
Signs and symptoms of tetanus in Cats
Tetanus symptoms mainly occur one to two weeks after exposure to the pathogen in cats. Some of the most common signs are –
- Stiffness of muscles – Cats affected by tetanus often have stiff, firm muscles, specifically in the jaw and neck. Moreover, a common symptom in cats with tetanus may be muscle shrinking. This could make it hard for them to eat, drink, or move about.
- Spasms – Muscle spasms in cats are sudden, uncontrollable contractions of the muscles.
- Seizures and Cat Lockjaw – Sudden, uncontrollable muscle spasms known as lockjaw and seizures are common in cats with tetanus.
- Swallowing difficulties – Cats suffering from tetanus may have difficulty in swallowing due to muscle stiffness and spasms, which can lead to malnourishment and dehydration.
- Breathing issues – In severe situations, tetanus can result in diaphragm and chest muscle stiffness, which makes it hard for the cat to breathe.
- Insensibility or numbness – Tetanus can often result in insensibility or numbness in cats, which may be a symptom of a more severe illness.
However, if you think your cat may have tetanus, you need to get help from a veterinarian right away. The prognosis for the condition improves with early detection and treatment.
Making a diagnosis
Medical history, laboratory testing, and physical examination can all be utilized to diagnose tetanus in cats. To assess the cat’s nervous system function and look for tetanus toxins, the veterinarian might also do a blood test. For a conclusive diagnosis, additional testing such as imaging or nerve conduction studies could be needed in some cases.
Options for Management and Treatment
Cat tetanus is mainly treated with a combination of supportive care and the prescription of some drugs. To prevent the tetanus infection from spreading, the infected site needs to be fully cleaned and maintained.
Antitoxin – To prevent the tetanus toxin in the cat’s body, an antitoxin is administered.
Antibiotics – The purpose of antibiotics is to stop bacterial infections. The veterinarian may, at his or her discretion, give antibiotics like METRONIDAZOLE, CLAVAMOX, and BAYTRIL.
Muscle relaxants – These medicines can be utilized to treat cats’ stiffness and muscle spasms.
Pain management – To relieve any discomfort brought on by cats’ muscle spasms, doctors may provide painkillers.
Wound care – The afflicted wound must be cleaned and handled perfectly to prevent the spread of the tetanus infection.
Supportive care, like ensuring enough nourishment and hydration and making a peaceful and pleasant environment, is important in handling tetanus in cats in addition to these treatments.
Can You Prevent Tetanus in Cats
Truly, vaccinations can prevent tetanus and lockjaw in cats. The best method of preventing tetanus in cats is to vaccinate them constantly as part of a complete immunization plan. You should discuss the vaccination schedule with your veterinarian to select the best course of action for your cat.
- In addition to vaccination, cats can prevent tetanus by avoiding wounds and taking complete care of them.
- Wounds should be properly cleansed and treated right away to prevent tetanus infection.
Moreover, it is important to maintain a clean environment and practice good hygiene, specifically if your cat has any wounds or sores. This can lower the likelihood of coming into contact with the spores of tetanus, which are frequently found in soil.
FAQs
How often do cats get tetanus?
Cats are less likely than other animals, like horses, to contract or get tetanus. Their resistance to the tetanus toxin is much higher than others.
What signs of tetanus do cats exhibit?
Localized muscular stiffness, often surrounding the wound, and increasing stiffness are early signs. Widespread muscle contractions, trouble opening the mouth, and stiff ears and tail are all possible signs of generalized tetanus.
Why do cats get tetanus?
The bacterium Clostridium tetani makes the neurotoxin tetanospasmin, which causes tetanus. Wounds enable the poison to enter the body, specifically if they are deep and anaerobic.
How is cat tetanus diagnosed?
Veterinarians use a physical examination, wound history, and clinical symptoms to diagnose tetanus. There can be a neurological test.
How are cats treated for tetanus?
The aims of treatment are to manage symptoms and prevent further spread of the toxin. These involve supportive treatment like cleaning and debridement of the wound, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, and antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole).
Can you have tetanus through a cat scratch?
Although uncommon to cause tetanus, a cat scratch would still be watched by a veterinarian since it has the potential to cause infection spread.
