Eddie has made a full recovery from tetanus thanks to expert care and quick intervention.
Fast And Decisive Intervention Saves Beloved Labrador From Tetanus
6 months ago 
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A much-loved labrador who became seriously ill following a trip to the beach has recovered from tetanus after intense treatment at a Hampshire animal hospital and quick intervention by local vets.
Five-year-old Eddie’s medical emergency was a mystery to start with as his owners thought something might have happened at the seaside, possibly swallowing too much sea water or snaffling something he shouldn’t have.
Eddie was taken to his local veterinary practice where he was initially treated for vomiting. It was here that an eagle-eyed vet suspected tetanus and quickly referred Eddie for treatment at Linnaeus-owned Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists in Winchester.
His owner, Robert Herniman from Chichester in West Sussex, said: “We were so incredibly lucky that this vet was on duty at our local vets.
“The vet explained that Eddie’s facial expression, which was like a grin, locked mouth and stiffness of legs made her suspect tetanus as she had seen it a few times. She said you never forget the look of a dog with tetanus because it’s so odd and horrible to see.
“She very quickly secured a place for Eddie at Anderson Moores and checked we could get him to Winchester, telling us that tetanus moves very quickly, so the sooner treatment starts the better.
“We were knocked sideways at the news. It was a Bank Holiday weekend and we could only hope that traffic was kind to us. It was!”
When Eddie arrived at Anderson Moores, a tetanus infection was confirmed and treatment started.
Robert added: “As soon as we arrived at Anderson Moores we felt completely confident they would do everything to help Eddie.
“They took total control of the situation after what had felt like a very overwhelming week for us.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who helped Eddie on his road to recovery and he is now back to his old self and loving his trips to the beach. We couldn’t have asked for better care and expertise.”
Tetanus cases normally develop five to 12 days after injury, with a wound or source of infection not always obvious, as was the case with Eddie.
When Eddie arrived at Anderson Moores, he was provided with supportive nursing care including fluid therapy, tube feeding and antibiotic therapy. As he was diagnosed in the early stages of the disease, he was also treated with tetanus antitoxin (TAT).
Victoria Neale, resident in internal medicine at Anderson Moores, said: “It is important that tetanus cases are identified and treated as quickly as possible.
“Eddie was hospitalised for just over a week and looked after day and night by our experienced nursing team. He responded well to treatment and has now made a full recovery.”
Anderson Moores offers specialist care in anaesthesia and analgesia, cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, diagnostic imaging, emergency and critical care, feline hyperthyroid clinic, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, and soft tissue surgery.
For more information, visit www.andersonmoores.com or search for Anderson Mores Veterinary Specialists on social media.
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