I was getting ready to send around a wonderful update on adorable Caesar when I got a call from the Neurologist at Carolina Veterinary Specialist in Matthews, NC.    Sweet Caesar had contacted Tetanus from when his metal collar became embedded and is now under the Neurology Team instead of the Surgical Team and is in ICU.

One of the reasons why I love this facility so much is that each Vet. Tech and Specialists is hands on with our dogs all the time.   The minute they noticed he was not acting his normal cute self, they started running tests.    During this process, they noticed the beginning stage of rigidity in his facial muscles.   He was immediately taken to Neurology where they confirmed the diagnosis and started him on the appropriate Medication.

We see far more than our share of Tetanus because we do so many embedded collars.  Clostridium Tetani is an anaerobic bacteria that lives in the soil.  It enters the body when there is an open wound.   Because the bacteria does not need oxygen to survive, it can survive and thrive in deep wounds.   By the time you figure out what is going on, the animal is already very sick, and you have to start immediate medical care to save them.   

Tetanus is also called Lockjaw because it prevents the dog from opening and closing their jaw properly.  It can prevent the animal from eating and breathing which is why it has to be treated immediately.  Tetanus is Life-Threatening.   Any animal that has it needs to go to the ER immediately.    Even with Life-Saving Medical Care, there is no guarantee the animal will survive.  

We have sweet Caesar with the best Medical Team around.   If anyone can pull him through this, it is them.   Please, Donate whatever you can so we can give Caesar the best chance possible at Surviving.   Thanks for Caring about our pups as much as we do.  Your Support is greatly appreciated.