Tetanus in feline - case report

ABSTRACT The article describes a case of tetanus in a feline, a neuromuscular disease caused by the toxin tetanospasmin, produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani. This toxin interferes with the transmission of nerve impulses, resulting in progressive muscle rigidity, spasms and motor difficulties. Although tetanus is uncommon in cats, when it does occur, it usually manifests as a localized form of the disease. The case report presents a 13-year old male cat with severe neurological clinical signs, including spastic tetraplegia and cranial nerve involvement. After extensive diagnostic investigation, including magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, other potential causes were ruled out, and the diagnosis of tetanus was established by exclusion. Treatment involved antibiotic therapy, symptomatic support and gradual withdrawal of phenobarbital, which resulted in the patient's complete recovery after two months of follow-up. The report highlights the importance of clinical diagnosis with differential screening of motor neuropathies in cats.