Lockjaw Symptoms in a Dog

Lockjaw, or tetanus, is much rarer in dogs than it is in humans or horses. For that reason, tetanus vaccinations are not routinely given to dogs. They contract the disease when the bacterium, Clostridium Tetani, enters a wound on the body and secretes a toxin, according to Veterinary Partner. This bacterium forms spores that exist in the environment for an extended period. As it is likely to be present in soil, outdoor dogs are at greater risk. By the time symptoms appear, the wound may have healed.

  1. Earliest Symptoms

    • If an infection has started, muscles around the wound site will stiffen first. The dog's gait may appear uncoordinated, with weakness in the muscles used for walking, reports PetMD. Eye symptoms, such as constricted pupils and sensitivity to light, may mimic some eye diseases in the initial stages. Poisoning from lead or strychnine should also be ruled out, as they can produce similar signs. At this point, if the dog receives successful antibiotic treatment, the symptoms may dissipate without escalating. According to Veterinary Partner, penicillin often works better than newer medications.

    Progressively More Severe Symptoms

    • When the disease is not treated early enough to keep its damage localized, the toxin travels to the central nervous system, causing debilitating muscle spasms and rigidity of the body. The stiffness will give the dog a "sawhorse" appearance, with its legs and tail straight out from the body, explains Lowchens Australia's Dog Health website. Bodily functions, such as eating and breathing, will be impaired because of the animal's locked jaw and rigid chest muscles. Fever, constipation and painful urination may be present as the disease progresses. Noise, bright light, even touch, may bring on spasms or seizures. In the final stage, the dog's heart rate may drop below 60 beats per minute or soar to over 140 beats per minute.

    Treatment

    • Fortunately, dogs have survived even the worst symptoms, but each problem must be addressed. The dog requires hospitalization for three or four weeks, says Lowchens Australia. Veterinarians will administer sedating medications to ease the dog's sensitivities and to keep it quiet while recovering. Soft bedding, in a darkened room, will be provided, and the dog will be turned on a regular schedule to try to prevent bedsores. Since dehydration is a major concern, intravenous fluids will be given. In the most severe cases, the dog may have a breathing tube, feeding tube and urinary catheter inserted. If the sedatives do not correct any heart rate or blood pressure fluctuations, other cardiac drugs may be added to treatment.

    Survival Chances

    • An analysis of 35 tetanus cases in dogs at the University of California's veterinary teaching hospital revealed that 77 percent survived, reports Veterinary Partner. All of the dogs in the study whose symptoms were treated early and remained mild lived; and 50 percent of the dogs with symptoms severe enough to require full treatment survived. The more toxin reaching the nervous system, the dicier the outcome. Even dogs released after hospital treatment have a long recovery ahead and owners must be taught how to maintain a sterile environment and provide extensive home nursing care, according to PetMD.