Growing up, you may have heard warnings about the health risks of stepping on a rusty nail. It turns out rust isn’t the problem, but rather the bacteria collecting in soil and on rusted objects like cars and metal fencing or equipment. These bacteria produce a toxin that can infect people and pets alike, leading to a disease called tetanus, that can cause lockjaw (or “trismus”) in dogs.
Although rare, lockjaw occurs when a dog is unable to open or close their mouth. Aside from tetanus, other conditions can cause a dog to be unable to open or close their mouth. Lockjaw can be caused by tetanus, masticatory muscle myositis (affecting the muscles that affect chewing), temporomandibular join (TM) issues, and injuries such as trauma, objects stuck in their mouth, or dental disease.
Birth defects, nerve disorders, and cancers can also result in jaw stiffness. Read on to learn what causes lockjaw in dogs when it is caused by tetanus, as well as the treatment options and prognosis for tetanus-caused lockjaw.
Lockjaw in dogs is “a serious bacterial infection that affects a dog’s nervous system,” says Dr. Kelly Hood, DVM, in-house veterinary expert at Pet Portraits. “The most common cause of lockjaw are deep puncture wounds or cuts that get contaminated with soil or dirt where the bacteria live.” The bacteria Clostridium tetani don’t generally cause problems when ingested but, if they enter a wound, they can multiply and produce a toxin that travels from the nerves to the spinal cord and brain.
As a preventive measure, the tetanus vaccine isn’t recommended for dogs since they’re less susceptible to the effects of the toxin, compared to people. “Although dogs have some natural resistance, they’re not completely immune,” she says. Her advice for preventing tetanus is to keep your dog away from areas with construction debris or metal objects that could be rusted or sharp.
.shock/Getty Images Plus
In addition, it’s important to provide prompt cleaning and veterinary care for wounds, especially deep punctures, she says. This includes flushing the wound thoroughly to remove bacterial spores. Along with preventing injuries, make sure your dog’s bedding and living environment are kept clean.
Aside from tetanus, other conditions can cause lockjaw including trauma or dislocation of the temporomandibular joint, which allows your dog’s mouth to open and close. Another cause of lockjaw is chronic swelling due to dental problems or diseases of the muscles surrounding this joint like canine arthritis. Birth defects, nerve disorders, and cancers can also result in stiffness of the jaw.
From the time of the initial wound, it can take a few days and sometimes a few weeks for symptoms to appear. The tetanus toxin can cause severe muscle spasms. Typically, “the spasms start in the jaw and face, but they can spread throughout the body, making it difficult for dogs to move, eat, and even breathe in very bad cases,” Dr. Hood adds.
Symptoms of lockjaw include:
As the condition worsens, your dog may struggle to eat and drink “as their body becomes progressively more rigid, especially in the legs,” she says. Some dogs experience fever because of the muscle spasms. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your veterinarian immediately.
Diagnosing lockjaw is largely based on clinical signs and their underlying cause, Dr. Hood explains. The veterinarian will conduct a physical examination to assess muscle stiffness and swelling while looking for items that may be lodged in your dog’s mouth. They might recommend x-rays if they suspect your dog has injury or trauma to their temporomandibular joint.
leaf/Getty Images Plus
The vet will consider your dog’s history, including recent wounds and changes in their behavior or appetite. Perhaps your dog likes to chew or carry sticks in their mouth. Sticks can splinter or get caught on something and cause injury or become wedged between their teeth and prevent their jaw from closing.
Because of the muscle spasms associated with this condition, the vet will also test your dog’s reflexes, which tend to be heightened with tetanus, she says. They may also collect blood work and urine and perform diagnostic tests like MRI, particularly in cases where infections or cancers are suspected, or your dog is in ill health. However, blood tests to confirm the presence of Clostridium tetani tend to be unreliable and aren’t usually recommended, she says.
Treatment for lockjaw requires intensive care and usually hospitalization, Dr. Hood says. While humans get tetanus shots, dogs are at a lower risk to get tetanus, and are less effected by the tetanus toxin than humans.
Your dog will receive “supportive care and a combination of antitoxin to neutralize unbound toxins, antibiotics to fight infection, and muscle relaxants to control spasms,” she says. An antitoxin works by binding to the toxin and preventing it from attaching to nerve cells, so the effectiveness depends on how quickly it’s administered. Antibiotics won’t neutralize the toxin, but they can treat the infection and prevent the bacteria from releasing more of the toxin.
The vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. If your dog’s symptoms are severe, they might need breathing support, feeding tubes, or intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to restore function if lockjaw is caused by a disease of the temporomandibular joint.
©hedgehog94 - stock.adobe.com
If your dog is recovering at home, she recommends keeping them in a dark and quiet environment since noise and bright lights can trigger muscle spasms. Dogs also need to be turned regularly and have soft bedding to prevent bedsores. They may also benefit from eating soft or wet food that doesn’t require chewing.
Early detection and intervention are critical to treating lockjaw. “The prognosis depends on how early tetanus is caught and the severity of a dog’s symptoms,” Dr. Hood says. “Many dogs can recover with proper care if you start treatment before the toxin has spread widely.”
The recovery process tends to be slow. You may see some improvement within a week, but it can take several weeks for a full recovery. “Some dogs may need physical therapy afterward so they can regain normal muscle function,” she says.
The post Tetanus Lockjaw in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments appeared first on American Kennel Club.
Read more...
Although rare, lockjaw occurs when a dog is unable to open or close their mouth. Aside from tetanus, other conditions can cause a dog to be unable to open or close their mouth. Lockjaw can be caused by tetanus, masticatory muscle myositis (affecting the muscles that affect chewing), temporomandibular join (TM) issues, and injuries such as trauma, objects stuck in their mouth, or dental disease.
Birth defects, nerve disorders, and cancers can also result in jaw stiffness. Read on to learn what causes lockjaw in dogs when it is caused by tetanus, as well as the treatment options and prognosis for tetanus-caused lockjaw.
How Do Dogs Develop Lockjaw From Tetanus?
Lockjaw in dogs is “a serious bacterial infection that affects a dog’s nervous system,” says Dr. Kelly Hood, DVM, in-house veterinary expert at Pet Portraits. “The most common cause of lockjaw are deep puncture wounds or cuts that get contaminated with soil or dirt where the bacteria live.” The bacteria Clostridium tetani don’t generally cause problems when ingested but, if they enter a wound, they can multiply and produce a toxin that travels from the nerves to the spinal cord and brain.
As a preventive measure, the tetanus vaccine isn’t recommended for dogs since they’re less susceptible to the effects of the toxin, compared to people. “Although dogs have some natural resistance, they’re not completely immune,” she says. Her advice for preventing tetanus is to keep your dog away from areas with construction debris or metal objects that could be rusted or sharp.
.shock/Getty Images Plus
In addition, it’s important to provide prompt cleaning and veterinary care for wounds, especially deep punctures, she says. This includes flushing the wound thoroughly to remove bacterial spores. Along with preventing injuries, make sure your dog’s bedding and living environment are kept clean.
Aside from tetanus, other conditions can cause lockjaw including trauma or dislocation of the temporomandibular joint, which allows your dog’s mouth to open and close. Another cause of lockjaw is chronic swelling due to dental problems or diseases of the muscles surrounding this joint like canine arthritis. Birth defects, nerve disorders, and cancers can also result in stiffness of the jaw.
What Are the Symptoms of Lockjaw?
From the time of the initial wound, it can take a few days and sometimes a few weeks for symptoms to appear. The tetanus toxin can cause severe muscle spasms. Typically, “the spasms start in the jaw and face, but they can spread throughout the body, making it difficult for dogs to move, eat, and even breathe in very bad cases,” Dr. Hood adds.
Symptoms of lockjaw include:
- Inability to open or close their mouth
- Stiffness in the jaw and facial muscles
- Grimacing expression similar to a forced smile
- Ears may be erect
- Noticeable pain or discomfort
- The third eyelid may be visible
- Weakness while biting or chewing
- Loss of appetite
- Drooling
- Swelling of the mouth or eyes
As the condition worsens, your dog may struggle to eat and drink “as their body becomes progressively more rigid, especially in the legs,” she says. Some dogs experience fever because of the muscle spasms. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your veterinarian immediately.
How Is Lockjaw Diagnosed?
Diagnosing lockjaw is largely based on clinical signs and their underlying cause, Dr. Hood explains. The veterinarian will conduct a physical examination to assess muscle stiffness and swelling while looking for items that may be lodged in your dog’s mouth. They might recommend x-rays if they suspect your dog has injury or trauma to their temporomandibular joint.
leaf/Getty Images Plus
The vet will consider your dog’s history, including recent wounds and changes in their behavior or appetite. Perhaps your dog likes to chew or carry sticks in their mouth. Sticks can splinter or get caught on something and cause injury or become wedged between their teeth and prevent their jaw from closing.
Because of the muscle spasms associated with this condition, the vet will also test your dog’s reflexes, which tend to be heightened with tetanus, she says. They may also collect blood work and urine and perform diagnostic tests like MRI, particularly in cases where infections or cancers are suspected, or your dog is in ill health. However, blood tests to confirm the presence of Clostridium tetani tend to be unreliable and aren’t usually recommended, she says.
How Do You Treat Lockjaw?
Treatment for lockjaw requires intensive care and usually hospitalization, Dr. Hood says. While humans get tetanus shots, dogs are at a lower risk to get tetanus, and are less effected by the tetanus toxin than humans.
Your dog will receive “supportive care and a combination of antitoxin to neutralize unbound toxins, antibiotics to fight infection, and muscle relaxants to control spasms,” she says. An antitoxin works by binding to the toxin and preventing it from attaching to nerve cells, so the effectiveness depends on how quickly it’s administered. Antibiotics won’t neutralize the toxin, but they can treat the infection and prevent the bacteria from releasing more of the toxin.
The vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. If your dog’s symptoms are severe, they might need breathing support, feeding tubes, or intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to restore function if lockjaw is caused by a disease of the temporomandibular joint.
©hedgehog94 - stock.adobe.com
If your dog is recovering at home, she recommends keeping them in a dark and quiet environment since noise and bright lights can trigger muscle spasms. Dogs also need to be turned regularly and have soft bedding to prevent bedsores. They may also benefit from eating soft or wet food that doesn’t require chewing.
What Is the Prognosis for a Dog?
Early detection and intervention are critical to treating lockjaw. “The prognosis depends on how early tetanus is caught and the severity of a dog’s symptoms,” Dr. Hood says. “Many dogs can recover with proper care if you start treatment before the toxin has spread widely.”
The recovery process tends to be slow. You may see some improvement within a week, but it can take several weeks for a full recovery. “Some dogs may need physical therapy afterward so they can regain normal muscle function,” she says.
The post Tetanus Lockjaw in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments appeared first on American Kennel Club.
Read more...
