Loving pet owners often think nothing of letting their dogs lick their faces or hands. For many, it’s a sign of affection and bonding. But in extremely rare cases, that innocent gesture can spiral into a life-altering medical emergency.
That’s what happened to 56-year-old Manjit Sangha, an Indian-origin woman in the UK, whose life changed dramatically after her dog licked a small cut on her leg. Within days, she developed a severe infection that progressed into sepsis — a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s overwhelming response to infection.
Sangha, a former pharmacy worker who was otherwise healthy, was hospitalized in July last year after suddenly falling ill. Her condition deteriorated rapidly and she slipped into a coma.
Critical care specialists in India say that while such incidents are rare, they are medically possible.
“Sepsis can happen due to a number of reasons – from a wound leading bacteria to blood stream to bowel rupture,” said Dr Raj K Mani, a senior intensivist based in Delhi. “It is often fatal and those who survive sometimes lose body parts such as limbs in critical cases.”
Sepsis remains a major health crisis in India, causing an estimated 29 lakh deaths annually and accounting for nearly three in ten deaths.
Bacterial infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections and abdominal infections are among the most common triggers.
Experts also point to the high prevalence of multidrug-resistant infections — where bacteria do not respond to available antibiotics — along with poor sanitation and irrational antibiotic use, as key drivers of mortality.
MEDICAL TRIGGER BEHIND THE TRAGEDY
According to available details, Sangha, a former pharmacy worker, had been in good health before she suddenly fell ill and was hospitalised in July last year. Her condition deteriorated rapidly and she slipped into a coma. Doctors diagnosed a severe and fast-progressing bout of sepsis, likely triggered after her dog licked a cut on her leg.
The infection became so aggressive that both her legs below the knees and both hands had to be amputated.
She also suffered six separate cardiac arrests but survived each time, despite her family fearing the worst. After finally returning home from hospital last week, she and her husband are now trying to raise funds for prosthetic limbs to improve her quality of life.
Medical experts explain that dogs naturally carry certain bacteria in their saliva, including Capnocytophaga, which usually does not cause harm but can enter the body through cuts or abrasions.
Other bacteria that may be present in dogs’ saliva include Pasteurella, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
A BROADER HEALTH WARNING
According to Dr Rouf Hussain Tak, internal medicine specialist and rheumatologist with Paras Health, individuals with weakened immunity, diabetes, liver disease or splenic disorders are particularly vulnerable to rapidly progressing infections.
When bacteria enter the bloodstream, the resulting immune response can spiral out of control, leading to widespread inflammation, clotting abnormalities, poor circulation and organ failure. In extreme cases, tissue death may occur, requiring amputation.
Early symptoms of sepsis can include fever, chills, vomiting, muscle aches, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, confusion, or skin discolouration and rashes.
As the condition worsens, blood pressure may drop dangerously, resulting in septic shock. While cases linked to dog saliva are extremely rare, doctors stress the importance of basic precautions.
“One should try and avoid allowing pets to lick open wounds and wash any bites or scratches immediately with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and seek prompt medical care if any unusual symptoms develop,” Dr Tak said.
They also advise that people with chronic illnesses or weakened immunity exercise extra caution, as early diagnosis and timely antibiotic treatment are critical to preventing severe complications.
