{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,23]],"date-time":"2026-09-23T23:49:11Z","timestamp":1790207351157,"version":"4.1.0"},"reference-count":40,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"9","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,30]],"date-time":"2026-08-30T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1788048000000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Vet. Sci.","Veterinary Sciences"],"abstract":"<jats:p>Tetanus is uncommon in dogs, which are considered relatively resistant to tetanospasmin, and detailed descriptions of the diagnostic evaluation of severe generalized cases remain limited. A 5.5-month-old intact male Miniature Schnauzer was presented four days after a puncture wound to the right pelvic limb. On admission the dog was alert but non-ambulatory, with generalized muscle rigidity, tremors, marked cervical hyperextension, hyperactive spinal reflexes, facial muscle spasms and dysphagia. Together with the wound history and rapid progression, these findings supported a presumptive diagnosis of generalized tetanus, clinically classified as Grade III. Serum collected before tetanus antitoxin administration contained no detectable antibodies against Clostridium tetani neurotoxin. Treatment comprised equine tetanus antitoxin, antimicrobials, multimodal sedation and muscle relaxation, enteral nutrition, intensive nursing and physiotherapy. Needle electromyography on day 10 showed increased insertional activity, positive sharp waves and fibrillation potentials, and continuous spontaneous motor unit activity. Despite patient young age and rapid disease progression, clinical improvement was evident from day 10, and the dog was discharged on day 16, ambulatory and eating voluntarily. This case highlights that severe generalized canine tetanus remains principally a clinical diagnosis, while serial neurological examination, clinicopathological monitoring and electromyography can strengthen diagnostic confidence, characterize disease progression and support clinical management.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/vetsci13090886","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,1]],"date-time":"2026-09-01T11:33:32Z","timestamp":1788262412000},"page":"886","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["An Integrated Diagnostic Approach to Severe Generalized Canine Tetanus: Serial Neurological, Clinicopathological and Electromyographic Assessment with Successful Clinical Management"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"13","author":[{"given":"Andrei R\u0103zvan","family":"Codea","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Internal Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea M\u0103n\u0103\u0219tur 3\u20135, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Amalia Marina","family":"Neagu","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Emergency Hospital, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea M\u0103n\u0103\u0219tur 3\u20135, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-6951-0098","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"\u0218tefania-M\u0103d\u0103lina","family":"Dandea","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Internal Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea M\u0103n\u0103\u0219tur 3\u20135, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"given":"Helga","family":"Dem\u00e9ny","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Demed Vet, Pia\u021ba 1848 No. 2, 400058 Cluj-Napoca, Romania"},{"name":"Epilepsy and EEG Monitoring Center, 400696 Cluj-Napoca, Romania"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0002-2844-1513","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Bogdan","family":"Florea","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Epilepsy and EEG Monitoring Center, 400696 Cluj-Napoca, Romania"},{"name":"Regina Maria Medical Center, 400696 Cluj-Napoca, Romania"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0008-1023-2696","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Yarden Lamy","family":"Casoy","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12, Rehovot 761001, Israel"},{"name":"Knowledge Farm Veterinary Specialists Referral Centre, Kfar Shaba 4442404, Israel"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-4181-0259","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Mihaela","family":"Niculae","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Calea M\u0103n\u0103\u0219tur 3\u20135, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania"}],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,30]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"184","DOI":"10.1177\/1040638720906814","article-title":"Tetanus in animals","volume":"32","author":"Popoff","year":"2020","journal-title":"J. Vet. Diagn. Investig."},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Chapeton-Montes, D., Plourde, L., Deneve, C., Garnier, D., Barbirato, F., Colombi\u00e9, V., Demay, S., Haustant, G., Gorgette, O., and Schmitt, C. (2020). Tetanus toxin synthesis is under the control of a complex network of regulatory genes in Clostridium tetani. Toxins, 12.","DOI":"10.3390\/toxins12050328"},{"key":"ref_3","first-page":"39","article-title":"Uptake of clostridial neurotoxins into cells and dissemination","volume":"Volume 406","author":"Connan","year":"2017","journal-title":"Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology"},{"key":"ref_4","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"58","DOI":"10.1016\/j.toxicon.2017.10.008","article-title":"The travel diaries of tetanus and botulinum neurotoxins","volume":"147","author":"Surana","year":"2018","journal-title":"Toxicon"},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"811","DOI":"10.1146\/annurev-biochem-013118-111654","article-title":"Botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins","volume":"88","author":"Dong","year":"2019","journal-title":"Annu. Rev. Biochem."},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"427","DOI":"10.1016\/S0300-9084(00)00216-9","article-title":"How botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins block neurotransmitter release","volume":"82","author":"Humeau","year":"2000","journal-title":"Biochimie"},{"key":"ref_7","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Rossetto, O., and Montecucco, C. (2019). Tables of toxicity of botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins. Toxins, 11.","DOI":"10.3390\/toxins11120686"},{"key":"ref_8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Sykes, J.E. (2022). Greene\u2019s Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat, Elsevier. [5th ed.].","DOI":"10.1016\/B978-0-323-50934-3.02004-8"},{"key":"ref_9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zitzl, J., Dyckers, J., G\u00fcssow, A., Lehmann, H., and Hazuchova, K. (2022). Survival in canine tetanus: Retrospective analysis of 42 cases (2006\u20132020). Front. Vet. Sci., 9.","DOI":"10.3389\/fvets.2022.1015569"},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"20551169221090889","DOI":"10.1177\/20551169221090889","article-title":"Coxofemoral luxation as a complication of localised tetanus in a cat","volume":"8","author":"Danciu","year":"2022","journal-title":"J. Feline Med. Surg. Open Rep."},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"237","DOI":"10.1016\/S1098-612X(03)00027-5","article-title":"Tetanus in the cat: An unusual presentation","volume":"5","author":"Gelati","year":"2003","journal-title":"J. Feline Med. Surg."},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Dussaux, A., Fuhrer, L., Dorner, M.B., Santifort, K., Vanhaesebrouck, A., Menchetti, M., Danciu, C.G., Dutil, G., Escriou, C., and Blot, S. (2024). Clinical findings and outcome in feline tetanus: A multicentric retrospective study of 27 cases and review of the literature. Front. Vet. Sci., 11.","DOI":"10.3389\/fvets.2024.1425917"},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"209","DOI":"10.1053\/jfms.2001.0184","article-title":"Presumed localized tetanus in two cats","volume":"4","author":"Polizopoulou","year":"2002","journal-title":"J. Feline Med. Surg."},{"key":"ref_14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"295","DOI":"10.1024\/0036-7281.146.6.295","article-title":"Tetanus in cats: Three clinical cases","volume":"146","author":"Tomek","year":"2004","journal-title":"Schweiz. Arch. Tierheilkd."},{"key":"ref_15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"927","DOI":"10.1177\/1098612X13479599","article-title":"Changes in electromyography and F-wave responses in two cats with presumed local tetanus: Implications for diagnosis and prognosis","volume":"15","author":"Bianchi","year":"2013","journal-title":"J. Feline Med. Surg."},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"D\u00f6rfelt, S., Mayer, C., Wolf, G., Straubinger, R.K., Fischer, A., Hartmann, K., and D\u00f6rfelt, R. (2023). Retrospective study of tetanus in 18 dogs: Causes, management, complications, and immunological status. Front. Vet. Sci., 10.","DOI":"10.3389\/fvets.2023.1249833"},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"593","DOI":"10.1186\/2046-0481-57-10-593","article-title":"Tetanus in the dog: Review and a case report of concurrent tetanus with hiatal hernia","volume":"57","author":"Acke","year":"2004","journal-title":"Ir. Vet. J."},{"key":"ref_18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"298","DOI":"10.1136\/vr.161.9.298","article-title":"Thirteen cases of tetanus in dogs","volume":"161","author":"Adamantos","year":"2007","journal-title":"Vet. Rec."},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"143","DOI":"10.5326\/0430143","article-title":"Retrospective study of tetanus in 20 dogs: 1988\u20132004","volume":"43","author":"Bandt","year":"2007","journal-title":"J. Am. Anim. Hosp. Assoc."},{"key":"ref_20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"76","DOI":"10.2460\/javma.230.1.76","article-title":"Risk factors associated with outcome in dogs with tetanus: 38 cases (1987\u20132005)","volume":"230","author":"Burkitt","year":"2007","journal-title":"J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc."},{"key":"ref_21","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Grant, K., and Long, S. (2023). Case report: A case of tetanus in a dog: Cranial nerve involvement and imaging findings. Front. Vet. Sci., 10.","DOI":"10.3389\/fvets.2023.1271334"},{"key":"ref_22","first-page":"1202","article-title":"Respiratory complications in dogs with tetanus: A retrospective study of 53 cases","volume":"62","author":"Guedra","year":"2021","journal-title":"Can. Vet. J."},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"336","DOI":"10.1136\/vr.110.14.336","article-title":"Tetanus in a dog: A case report","volume":"110","author":"Hanson","year":"1982","journal-title":"Vet. Rec."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"199","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1476-4431.2006.00192.x","article-title":"Tetanus: Pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, and update on new treatment modalities","volume":"16","author":"Linnenbrink","year":"2006","journal-title":"J. Vet. Emerg. Crit. Care"},{"key":"ref_25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"2029","DOI":"10.1111\/jvim.15320","article-title":"Association between clinically probable REM sleep behavior disorder and tetanus in dogs","volume":"32","author":"Shea","year":"2018","journal-title":"J. Vet. Intern. Med."},{"key":"ref_26","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1066","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1365-2044.2007.05217.x","article-title":"Autonomic dysfunction in tetanus: What lessons can be learnt with specific reference to alpha-2 agonists?","volume":"62","author":"Udy","year":"2007","journal-title":"Anaesthesia"},{"key":"ref_27","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"277","DOI":"10.1111\/jvim.16585","article-title":"Electroencephalography of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder in a dog with generalized tetanus","volume":"37","author":"Knipe","year":"2023","journal-title":"J. Vet. Intern. Med."},{"key":"ref_28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"482","DOI":"10.1136\/inp.g6312","article-title":"Diagnosis and treatment of generalised tetanus in dogs","volume":"36","author":"Fawcett","year":"2014","journal-title":"In Practice"},{"key":"ref_29","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100535","DOI":"10.1016\/j.tcam.2021.100535","article-title":"The role of magnesium in the management of acute and long-term symptoms caused by tetanus in two dogs","volume":"44","author":"Papageorgiou","year":"2021","journal-title":"Top. Companion Anim. Med."},{"key":"ref_30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"21","DOI":"10.1136\/vr.151.1.21","article-title":"Atypical time course of clinical signs in a dog poisoned by strychnine","volume":"151","author":"Meiser","year":"2002","journal-title":"Vet. Rec."},{"key":"ref_31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"324","DOI":"10.1136\/vr.100734","article-title":"Suspected metaldehyde slug bait poisoning in dogs: A retrospective analysis of cases reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service","volume":"171","author":"Bates","year":"2012","journal-title":"Vet. Rec."},{"key":"ref_32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"438","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1748-5827.2007.00360.x","article-title":"Clinical, neurological and clinicopathological signs, treatment and outcome of metaldehyde intoxication in 18 dogs","volume":"48","author":"Segev","year":"2007","journal-title":"J. Small Anim. Pract."},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"51","DOI":"10.5326\/JAAHA-MS-7246","article-title":"Suspected generalized neonatal tetanus in a litter of puppies","volume":"59","author":"Mayousse","year":"2023","journal-title":"J. Am. Anim. Hosp. Assoc."},{"key":"ref_34","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Zilli, J., H\u00e4u\u00dfler, T.C., Ives, E.J., and Schmidt, M.J. (2023). Case report: A severe case of generalized tetanus in a young cat. Front. Vet. Sci., 10.","DOI":"10.3389\/fvets.2023.1328331"},{"key":"ref_35","first-page":"1221","article-title":"Generalized tetanus in a Labrador Retriever","volume":"49","author":"Sprott","year":"2008","journal-title":"Can. Vet. J."},{"key":"ref_36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"159","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1748-5827.2007.00440.x","article-title":"Coxofemoral luxation in a Border Collie as a complication of a Clostridium tetani infection","volume":"49","author":"Goldhammer","year":"2008","journal-title":"J. Small Anim. Pract."},{"key":"ref_37","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"278","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1748-5827.2006.00046.x","article-title":"Focal canine tetanus: Diagnostic value of electromyography","volume":"47","author":"Zavattiero","year":"2006","journal-title":"J. Small Anim. Pract."},{"key":"ref_38","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"308","DOI":"10.1093\/infdis\/147.2.308","article-title":"Naturally acquired antibodies to tetanus toxin in humans and animals from the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands","volume":"147","author":"Veronesi","year":"1983","journal-title":"J. Infect. Dis."},{"key":"ref_39","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"495","DOI":"10.1111\/avj.12772","article-title":"Metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity in 26 dogs","volume":"96","author":"Tauro","year":"2018","journal-title":"Aust. Vet. J."},{"key":"ref_40","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"648","DOI":"10.1136\/bmj.291.6496.648","article-title":"Treatment of tetanus: An open study to compare the efficacy of procaine penicillin and metronidazole","volume":"291","author":"Ahmadsyah","year":"1985","journal-title":"Br. Med. J."}],"container-title":["Veterinary Sciences"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2306-7381\/13\/9\/886\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,1]],"date-time":"2026-09-01T12:03:20Z","timestamp":1788264200000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2306-7381\/13\/9\/886"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,30]]},"references-count":40,"journal-issue":{"issue":"9","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,9]]}},"alternative-id":["vetsci13090886"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/vetsci13090886","relation":{},"ISSN":["2306-7381"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2306-7381","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,30]]}}}