My dog has tetanus. What are the survival chances for my pet?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Tetanus is not contagious to people or other dogs. Tetanus symptoms are caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. The bacteria needs to grow DEEP in a wound where oxygen can't reach. I hope this helps!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If you do not see any evidence of a wound, it is not likely that we was injured by the cutting board. While tetanus is commonly associated with rusty objects, it is not rust objects that harbor the tetanus bacteria. Rusty objects can often be found in dirt and in areas that tend to harbor bacteria, which is why it is commonly said rusty objects cause tetanus. Just because it is rusty does not mean it will cause tetanus. If Casper was not wounded, I would not be too worried about the risk of him getting tetanus. Even if he was injured by the cutting board I would not be too concerned. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

First off, I'm very sorry Ginger has lockjaw! I would leave her at the vet for treatment, as this can be treated. The success of the treatment depends on the severity of the disease, but a commitment to the treatment program and following the vet's instructions does greatly improve your dog's chance of survival. I would give treatment a go, and I certainly hope that Ginger recovers!

Dogs do not typically get tetanus vaccinations. It is very rare for a dog to contract tetanus. If the wound is looking good, continue treating as you have been. If after 10 days of treatment it is not fully healed then oral antibiotics may be needed.

I'm sorry Kiku has distemper. Supportive care is the only treatment available for this disease, which can include IV fluids, anti-seizure medications, and medications to help control vomiting and diarrhea. Unfortunately about 80% of puppies who get distemper will die from the disease. His best chance for survival is hospitalization with a vet, so I would take him into one immediately.

I'm sorry that Chewie is in the hospital! Because he is likely receiving fluids and medication to control the symptoms of the toxicity, Chewie has a better prognosis than if he were not receiving treatment. Your vet will likely continue monitoring Chewie for signs of worsening toxicity, and should communicate these to you. It may take several days for him to stabilize, but as long as Chewie continues to improve, his prognosis is fairly good. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

Dogs which develop the neurological stage of distemper have a very poor chance of functional recovery and in the rare cases they do survive for any length of time tend to have permanent neurological side effects and seizures. Euthanasia is recommended to prevent further suffering and prolonged starvation