Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 6

Tetanus is a bacterial disease caused by Clostridium tetani, which can affect both domestic animals and humans. Tetanus in cats was very rarely recorded due to innate resistance, and localised tetanus was recorded with recovery within a few weeks up to 5 months. This study describes an unusually chronic form of generalised tetanus in a cat, its diagnosis, haemato-biochemical alterations, and ethno-veterinary management. A 15-month-old domestic short-haired cat (Felis catus) was presented with signs of stiffness of the muscles and lateral recumbency. Microscopic examination of wound smear from oral mucosa revealed Clostridium tetani bacilli with spores. Haemato-biochemical analysis revealed alterations in the parameters. The cat was parenterally treated with tetanus antitoxins, antibiotics, muscle relaxants and oral ethno-veterinary preparations for follow-up. Partial improvement was observed after five months after the onset of tetanus, and the case succumbed to the disease. Most cases of generalised tetanus have a guarded prognosis due to factors such as prolonged hospitalization, the owner's reluctance to proceed with hospitalisation, treatment costs, complications, and the lack of continuous care. Early identification of wounds and treatment are very important to prevent the onset of tetanus.