We were contacted six weeks ago about a four-month-old puppy that came into Animal Contol in Greenville, SC with an embedded collar. The collar was removed, and the area was sewn shut, but the puppy kept getting worse. No Rescue was stepping up for the puppy because he was too sick. We didn't know about Jinx or we would have stepped up for him. We were contacted by a Volunteer that had offered to help Jinx just to get him out. She soon realized, this adorable puppy was more than she could handle so she contacted us. He was lethargic, becoming very rigid, did not want to eat and was not doing well at all. She took him to her vet, and they started him on Antibiotics and Tetanus Antitoxin. Jinx had Tetanus and needed 24-hour care with a Neurologist immediately. We had him taken to Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Matthews, NC where Dr. Bob Bergman was in charge of his care along with the Neurology Team.
Jinx had a very rough first week. He was put on heavy sedation to help with his rigidity, and the surgery team was prepared to put in a feeding tube and a breathing tube if he got worse. With Tetanus when an animal gets rigid, he can lose his ability to breathe and eat. We did not have to put in a breathing or feeding tube. After ten days, Dr. Bergman said that he thought the worst was over but that Jinx would have to be closely monitored for the next month. One of his Vet Techs offered to take sweet Jinx home to make sure he was closely monitored for any signs of distress. Each week Jinx improved. His ears are still rigid and close together, but the worst is over for this adorable little pup. It is now just a matter of time before his body goes back to normal. Some animals always have a little rigidity left behind. The best news is that Jinx's rigidity is in his ears and not in his legs or chest area any longer.
We never got to see what this adorable pup looked like before we rescued him. His ears might have been floppy, but I highly doubt it. He is far too young to have endured being tied up and left to die with an embedded collar. Jinx is doing well and is being closely monitored for any remaining neurological signs from the Tetanus. So far, we have not noticed anything remaining but the Bunny Rabbit Ears, which we have gotten rather fond of. Jinx loves everyone and gets along great with all dogs and cats. Please, fill out his Adoption Application if you think he would be perfect for your Family.
We are now getting in all of this dear boy's Medical Bills. As cute as Jinx is, his bills are not. Any donation would be greatly appreciated, so we do not carry over any old bills into the New Year. Thanks for caring about our pups and making their Journey to Survive and Thrive possible.
TETANUS is deadly to most animals because it is not caught in time to save the animal with the proper medications. I have helped four dogs with Tetanus, and that is four more than most Vets have seen. It is a very uncommon bacteria that is rarely seen. The animals that do get it are usually dead before the cause of death is determined. Tetanus is the result of infection with a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. The bacterium can live without oxygen (anaerobic) and remain in the environment for long periods by forming spores. When an injured animal comes into contact with the spores, they can release the potent toxin into the body. These potent toxins bind to nerve cells in the body and generate symptoms that are characteristic of this disease, such as muscle spasms, stiffening of the limbs and a very rigid face. The reason rusty nails are so deadly is they have been in the soil for a long time and had the toxin on them. The Tetanus Toxin is in the soil where it can remain and thrive. If your animal has a cut or open wound and you notice any of these symptoms, get them to your vet immediately. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Tetanus is one bacteria you do not want to fool around with.
