Introduction

Tetanus can lead to respiratory complication, and the outcome of these patients is still largely unknown. To evaluate the incidence and outcome of dogs with tetanus that develop respiratory complications.

Method

Retrospective observational study from February 2006 to January 2019 from a specialty referral academic small animal teaching hospital. Medical records from client-owned dogs diagnosed with tetanus admitted to a referral hospital were reviewed. The frequency, type and treatment of respiratory complications and survival to discharge were recorded.

Results

Fifty-three dogs were diagnosed with tetanus over the time period. Respiratory complications were observed in 26.4% (14/53) of dogs; 8 developed aspiration pneumonia (AP), 5 developed upper airway obstruction (UAO), one patient developed both. A total of 5 AP patients were mechanically ventilated. Three patients with UAO had tracheostomy tubes placed. Patients with respiratory complications had a poorer outcome, with only 14.2% (2/14) surviving to discharge, compared to 94.8% (37/39) for the patients with no respiratory complications.

Conclusion

Respiratory complications such as AP and UAO were common in dogs with tetanus and this was associated with a poorer outcome.

Disclosures

No disclosures to report.