I recently read an article about tetanus in a dog in an alumni publication; like you, I graduated from Tufts. Luckily, the dog made a full recovery. The article highlights the rarity of the condition in canines. Strangely, it seems that humans and horses both have a vaccine and a treatment for certain diseases, but dogs have neither. I spend a lot of time outdoors with my dog, and over the years I have had several dogs that have cut their feet or gotten wounds requiring stitches. Is that because there aren’t many cases? My vet has never suggested a tetanus shot. I understand tetanus can be fatal. Have you ever witnessed a case of it? If so, what should dog owners do if the wound is the result of a puncture from something in the ground, like a rusty nail?
I also read the article in Tufts Now, which described a case that was successfully treated at the Grafton Veterinary School’s Foster Hospital. As was mentioned, tetanus is extremely uncommon in dogs and cats. Toxins produced by Clostrium tetani are not as toxic to dogs as they once were. These spores produce toxins in species that are more vulnerable to their effects when they mature in tissue after being introduced through puncture or laceration, leading to neurological symptoms. Dogs frequently lick and thoroughly clean their wounds, which may be another factor contributing to why they don’t get sick as often.
Tetanus cannot and does not result from spore ingestion or topical exposure. Owners should use diluted peroxide to clean any wounds, and they should also speak with a veterinarian. Muscle rigidity is a symptom of this type of infection in all affected species, and the diagnosis is one of exclusion. On occasion, it can be confused with rabies, meningitis, and other illnesses. Tetanus-infected dogs develop a condition known as lockjaw, which is characterized by a grimace grin. Due to this, a dog cannot properly eat or drink, so additional measures are taken in the course of treatment to help the dog recover while receiving antitoxin. Due to the lack of cases, there is probably no commercial vaccine available for dogs. For the record, I have never identified a dog with tetanus. Congratulations to the hospital staff members who correctly diagnosed the dog and provided effective care!
Dr. The owner and operator of the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic is John de Jong. He can be reached at 781-899-9994.
Can Dogs Get Tetanus from Rust?
Its a myth that the disease is caused by rust; however, rust can harbor dirt contaminated with spores of the bacteria involved in the disease Clostridium tetani. Spores of these bacteria are found worldwide in the dirt, putting dogs all over at risk, though the risk is low. The bacterial spores are adept at surviving in any environment and typically enter the body through wounds, such as the typical cut or scrape we associate with tetanus. Other ways a dog can become infected include puncture wounds, tick bites and even tiny cuts in the gums associated with chewing on everything a puppy can get their mouth on. Once in the body, the spores multiply and begin their damage.
Muscle spasms and stiffness that are typically associated with tetanus are actually brought on by a toxin that affects the nerve cells in the body. Although other toxins are also produced, the tetanospasmin toxin is crucial for the disease’s clinical signs.
How easy is it to get tetanus from rust?
If you do, you’re partly right. Rust doesn’t cause tetanus, but if you haven’t had your vaccinations, stepping on a nail might In reality, tetanus-causing bacteria can enter the body through any type of skin damage, including burns and blisters. … Protect with Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) Shots.
| Shot | When |
|---|---|
| Boosters | Every 10 years |
Your dog can develop iron toxicity if they consume too much iron in relation to their body weight. When this occurs, the surplus iron may contaminate the blood and damage your dog’s tissues and organs. Iron oxide (rust) and other insoluble forms of iron are not thought to be toxic if consumed.
Find food that fits your pet’s needs
Whether it’s during carefree puppy play or curious sniffs and licks, your dog will probably come across a few rusty nails while exploring. You might even start to wonder whether or not your dog can contract tetanus. The short answer is yes. Tetanus can be a serious threat to the health of dogs and other mammals.
The good news is that, according to the Canadian Veterinary Journal, tetanus is rare in both dogs and cats because of the tetanus bacteriums inability to “break in and onto” nervous tissue in these species. Lets take a deeper dive into tetanus and how your dog might contract it.
FAQ
Can dogs get tetanus from rust?
Although it is a myth that rust causes tetanus, rust can harbor dirt contaminated with spores of the bacteria responsible for the disease, Clostridium tetani. Although the risk is low, dogs worldwide are at risk due to the presence of these bacteria’s spores in the dirt.
Can you get tetanus from licking rusty metal?
Does rust contain tetanus?
Can dogs get tetanus from metal?
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is brought on when a specific bacteria enters a deep, open wound, such as one from a nail puncture. Beyond that, neither tetanus in humans nor dogs is primarily caused by rusty nails or other metal objects.