DOI: https:// doi. org / 10.56496 / NNQR6082

Florence Dalley, BSc( Hons), RVN, CertFN

ENVELOPE florencedalley @ hotmail. co. uk

Florence graduated with a first-class honours degree from Hartpury University in Gloucestershire in 2015, before working in mixed, hospital, emergency out-of-hours and small animal practices. She is now the deputy head veterinary nurse in a small animal practice in Northumberland, where she thoroughly enjoys performing Schedule 3 procedures and inpatient care. Florence has also completed the International Society of Feline Medicine certificate in feline nursing and is a cat advocate in her practice. She has three rescue cats and four rescue chickens at home, which she loves dearly.

ABSTRACT Tetanus is caused by the neurotoxin tetanus toxin( also known as tetanospasmin), produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. In rare cases, tetanus can affect cats, most commonly in its localised form.

This case study describes the presentation, diagnostic investigation, treatment and outcome of a previously healthy 9-year-old domestic shorthair cat with tetanus. The patient developed paralysis in both hindlimbs, with recovery to ambulatory status taking approximately 1 month. During recovery, the patient developed a luxating patella on the more affected hindlimb( right). This self-corrected within 18 months of the initial presentation. Except for slightly reduced flexion of the right hock, the patient made a full recovery.

Due to the resistance to tetanus disease in cats, there is very little literature on cats that receive a diagnostic work-up and treatment resulting in recovery. This case report aims to provide a day-by-day account of the progression and treatment of the disease and guidance for the treatment and nursing care of future cases presented in clinical practice.

Keywords tetanus, cat, medical treatment, pain management, paralysis

10 Veterinary Nursing Journal