Respiratory complications in dogs with tetanus: A retrospective study of 53 cases

Guedra, M; Cortellini, S; Humm, K

Abstract

Tetanus can lead to respiratory complications, and the outcome of dogs affected by this disease is still largely unknown. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the frequency and outcome of 53 dogs with tetanus and respiratory complications between February 2006 and January 2019. Medical records from dogs diagnosed with tetanus admitted to a referral teaching hospital were reviewed. Fifty-three dogs were diagnosed with tetanus and respiratory complications were observed in 26.4% (14/53) of dogs; 8 developed aspiration pneumonia (AP), 5 developed upper airway obstruction (UAO) and 1 dog developed both. A total of 5 AP dogs were mechanically ventilated. Three dogs with UAO had tracheostomy tubes placed. Dogs with respiratory complications had a poorer outcome, with only 14.3% (2/14) surviving to discharge, compared to 94.8% (37/39) for dogs with no respiratory complications. Respiratory complications such as AP and UAO were common in dogs with tetanus, and this was associated with a poorer outcome.

Citation

Guedra, M., Cortellini, S., & Humm, K. (2021). Respiratory complications in dogs with tetanus: A retrospective study of 53 cases. Journal not listed, 62(11), 1202-1206

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 31, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Deposit Date: Jun 29, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 19, 2022
• Journal: Canadian Veterinary Journal
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 62
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 1202-1206
• Related Public URLs: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8543695/
• Additional Information: Use of this article is limited to a single copy for personal study. Anyone interested in obtaining reprints should contact the CVMA; office ([e-mail]) for additional copies or permission to use this material elsewhere.