Generalized limb stiffness and an inability to eat were seen as the presenting complaints in a ten-week-old puppy. The puppy had been castrated and received vaccinations approximately twelve days before developing a left hindlimb lameness, which progressed to extreme stiffness of all four limbs. On presentation, the dog was also noted to be hyperthermic with contraction of facial muscles causing the lips to be pulled back and the ears to be seated atop the head. These findings strongly suggested a diagnosis of generalized tetanus, for which the dog was treated and recovered fully in approximately two months. This report describes the etiology and pathogenesis of C. tetani infection. It explores both the generalized and focal forms of the disease and will also discuss treatment.