Generalized tetanus in a nine year old domestic shorthair
This report describes a case of generalized tetanus in a nine year old castrated male domestic shorthair. The cat presented with a severe left forelimb wound that had been present for almost two weeks. The cat showed classic signs of tetanus including an inability to ambulate, extensor rigidity and hypertonia, cranial nerve deficits, risus sardonicus, and hyperesthesia. The cat’s affected limb was amputated and he was started on antibiotics including Penicillin, Metronidazole, Baytril, and Unasyn. He received supportive care and began showing improvements in rigidity over the next several days. He was discharged to the care of his owner and three months later, reportedly has no lasting clinical signs.