A DOG that had been struck down by tetanus is back on his feet thanks to the efforts of a Winchester vet.

Four-year-old Labrador retriever Finn was an emergency case and presented slightly stiff when walking on his arrival at Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists (AMVS) in Winchester.

Within 48 hours he was unable to stand or open his mouth.

Finn’s infection with tetanus, which started from a nail bed infection in his dew claw, had progressed to the point that he could not stand due to his intense muscle spasms.

Finn the dogFinn the dog (Image: Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists)

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Eliana Doyle, resident in internal medicine at AMVS, said: “When Finn arrived late at night, he had the typical presentation of tetanus with a stiff walk and tightened facial muscles.

“He was an emergency case and needed feeding via a tube and regular physiotherapy to avoid muscle wastage.

“Finn started to make a very slow and gradual improvement during the first two weeks and required intensive care from our amazing nursing team.

“After 16 days of hospitalisation, Finn was able to stand on his feet and he then made rapid improvements and was able to go home and take food via his mouth within two days.

“It’s a great outcome for Finn and his owners, and he continues to recover well at home.”

Finn’s owner, Steve Symonds, from Eastleigh, said that his pet’s health had initially deteriorated while they were on holiday in Devon. He said: “We were on holiday with him and we were shocked and worried as to whether Finn would recover. Vets who have seen tetanus are very few and far between.

“However, the vet in Devon who made the diagnosis arranged everything for us. She got him booked into Anderson Moores and started him on antibiotics while we packed up the holiday cottage we were staying in.”

Thanks to his treatment, Finn is now up-and-about againThanks to his treatment, Finn is now up-and-about again (Image: Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists)

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Despite the seriousness of Finn’s condition, Steve praised the level of care Finn received from all the vets and singled out Eliana’s care and dedication.

Steve added: “Since Finn has been home, Eliana has contacted us to see how he’s doing and said it would be nice to see him again, so we took him back for a visit where he received lots of fuss and treats from everyone.

“I’m happy to now say Finn’s life is as it was before tetanus and to see him now you wouldn’t know he had been so ill.”

More information about Anderson Moores can be found on its website.