A minor scratch. A familiar weekend routine. A loving pet. Within hours, it became a life-threatening emergency.
Manjit Sangha, a 52-year-old Indian-origin British woman, underwent quadruple amputation after developing severe sepsis — a condition doctors believe may have been triggered when her dog licked a small cut. What began as feeling slightly unwell escalated rapidly into unconsciousness, multiple cardiac arrests, organ complications and limb loss. Her case has reignited global awareness about sepsis, a medical emergency that can progress faster than many realize.
Sepsis After Dog Lick: Key Facts and Why This Case Matters
- A 52-year-old UK woman lost both hands and both legs due to severe sepsis.
- Infection may have begun after dog saliva contacted a minor wound.
- She spent around 32 weeks in hospital.
- Her heart stopped six times in intensive care.
- She was placed in an induced coma and required dialysis.
- She developed Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), pneumonia and gallstones.
- Her spleen was surgically removed.
- Early sepsis symptoms can resemble flu but escalate quickly.
- Immediate treatment significantly improves survival.
How the Medical Crisis Unfolded
In July last year, Sangha returned home feeling unwell. By the next morning, her condition had deteriorated dramatically. She was unconscious, her hands and feet were ice-cold, her lips had turned purple and she was struggling to breathe.
She was rushed to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton and admitted to intensive care. Her husband described how shocking the speed of her decline was — one moment she was playing with the dog, the next she was in a coma.
During her 32-week hospital stay:
- Her heart stopped six times.
- She was placed on life support.
- She developed septic shock.
- She required dialysis due to organ stress.
- Doctors removed her spleen.
- Surgeons amputated both legs below the knee and both hands.
She was later discharged from Moseley Hall Hospital in Birmingham.
Doctors suspect bacteria such as Capnocytophaga canimorsus, commonly found in dog saliva, may have entered through broken skin. Another bacterium associated with similar cases is Pasteurella multocida.
Medical experts stress that such cases are extremely rare, but they highlight how quickly infection can spiral.
What Is Sepsis and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection. According to the National Institutes of Health, it occurs when the immune system overreacts and begins attacking healthy tissues and organs.
This uncontrolled response can lead to:
- Widespread inflammation
- Blood clotting abnormalities such as DIC
- Organ failure
- Septic shock
- Death if untreated
The UK Sepsis Trust estimates around 50,000 sepsis-related deaths annually in the UK.
In India, a CHEST journal report estimated 11.3 million sepsis cases with 2.9 million deaths in 2017, highlighting the global burden of the condition.
How Infections Turn Into Sepsis
Dr Mukta Aggarwal, Consultant – Internal Medicine at Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, explained that sepsis is not the infection itself but the body’s overwhelming response to it. Once bacteria enter the bloodstream, widespread inflammation can damage tissues and reduce blood circulation.
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In Sangha’s case, doctors believe bacteria may have entered through a small cut exposed to dog saliva.
Sepsis commonly develops from infections involving:
- Lungs (pneumonia)
- Urinary tract
- Gastrointestinal system
- Skin
- Central nervous system
Even minor wounds can serve as entry points.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Early sepsis symptoms can look like common illness. Warning signs include:
- Persistent fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
- Rapid heart rate
- Breathlessness
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Reduced urination
- Severe weakness
- Low blood pressure
- Mottled or discoloured skin
- Shivering or extreme chills
Doctors emphasize that symptoms can worsen within hours.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Higher-risk groups include:
- Adults over 65
- Newborns
- People with diabetes
- Cancer patients
- Individuals with kidney or liver disease
- Organ transplant recipients
- Those without a functioning spleen
- People with weakened immunity
- Post-surgical patients
Experts note that while vulnerable groups face higher risk, healthy individuals are not completely immune.
A Similar Fatal Case
The case comes after 83-year-old June Baxter died following septic shock after a dog licked a wound on her leg. Tests revealed Pasteurella multocida. An inquest cited septic shock as the primary cause of death.
These incidents remain rare but underline the importance of proper wound care.
Prevention Steps: How to Stay Safe
Doctors recommend awareness rather than fear:
- Clean and cover all cuts immediately.
- Avoid allowing pets to lick open wounds.
- Wash exposed areas with soap and water.
- Seek medical care if symptoms worsen.
- Do not ignore sudden fever, confusion or breathlessness.
- Manage chronic conditions carefully.
Prompt antibiotic treatment can prevent infection from progressing to sepsis.
The Deeper Meaning of Human Life: Spiritual Guidance from Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji
Severe illnesses like sepsis remind us how fragile and unpredictable human life can be. While medical science emphasizes early diagnosis and timely treatment, spiritual teachings encourage deeper awareness about the purpose and value of this rare human birth.
According to Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, the human body is precious and should be protected through disciplined living, moral conduct and true devotion based on holy scriptures. He teaches that along with seeking medical care during illness, individuals must also nurture spiritual understanding to build inner strength and clarity.
His guidance highlights that awareness — both physical and spiritual — plays a vital role in safeguarding life. In moments of uncertainty, combining medical wisdom with spiritual knowledge can provide resilience, stability and hope.
Why Sepsis Awareness Cannot Be Ignored
Manjit Sangha has spoken about her determination to walk again and return to work. She and her husband have raised more than £22,000 through community fundraising efforts.
Her story is not about fear of pets. It is about understanding how infection can escalate rapidly and recognizing the warning signs early.
Sepsis often begins quietly. But when it advances, it can change lives in a matter of hours. Awareness, early action and timely medical care remain the strongest defense.
FAQs on Sepsis After Dog Lick
1. Can a dog lick really cause sepsis?
Yes, in rare cases. If dog saliva enters an open wound, bacteria like Capnocytophaga can enter the bloodstream and trigger severe infection or sepsis.
2. What are the early warning signs of sepsis after a dog lick?
High fever, rapid heartbeat, confusion, breathlessness, reduced urination, extreme weakness, and low blood pressure are serious warning signs requiring immediate medical attention.
3. Who is most at risk of developing sepsis from a dog lick?
Older adults, diabetics, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, people without a spleen, and those with weakened immunity face higher risk of severe infection.
4. How quickly can sepsis develop after infection?
Sepsis can worsen within hours or days. Early symptoms may resemble flu but can rapidly progress to septic shock without urgent treatment.
5. How can you prevent sepsis after a dog lick?
Clean wounds immediately, avoid letting pets lick open cuts, maintain hygiene, monitor symptoms, and seek prompt medical care if fever or swelling develops.
