Focal canine tetanus: diagnostic value of electromyography

A four-year-old, male Italian hound was presented with severe spasticity of both thoracic limbs that worsened with external stimuli. The remainder of the neurological and general physical examination was normal. Complete blood cell count, chemistry profile, and serology for protozoal diseases were within normal limits. Survey radiography of the cervicothoracic spine and abdominal ultrasonography showed no abnormalities. Electromyography of the thoracic limbs demonstrated the presence of "doublets" and simultaneous activity in both agonist and antagonist muscles. These abnormalities may be explained by a defective glycinergic inhibition at the spinal cord level. Together with the history, progression of signs, and clinical findings, electromyography supported a presumptive diagnosis of focal tetanus. The dog received tetanus antitoxin and antibiotic treatment and gradually improved over four months.