Dog Lick Sepsis Leaves Birmingham Woman Without Limbs
A simple scratch changed everything for Manjit Sangha, a 56-year-old woman from Birmingham. What doctors believe started as bacteria entering her body after a dog lick sepsis incident quickly turned into a medical emergency that nearly took her life and ultimately cost her both hands and both legs.
Her story now serves as a powerful reminder of how fast sepsis can strike and why early action matters.
From Feeling Unwell to Intensive Care in One Day
In July 2025, Sangha returned home from work feeling tired and unwell. At first, nothing seemed alarming. However, within 24 hours, her condition worsened dramatically.
Her husband found her unconscious, with cold limbs and blue lips. He immediately called for an ambulance.
Paramedics rushed her to New Cross Hospital, where doctors admitted her to intensive care and placed her in a medically induced coma. Despite aggressive treatment, her body began to shut down.
Multiple Cardiac Arrests and Life Saving Amputations
Over the following days, Sangha suffered six cardiac arrests. She also developed serious complications, including pneumonia and gallstones. Her blood pressure dropped dangerously low, and several organs started to fail.
Doctors diagnosed her with sepsis, a severe reaction to infection where the immune system attacks the body itself.
As the infection spread, surgeons had no choice but to amputate both her legs below the knees and both her hands to save her life. Surgeons also removed her spleen as part of her emergency care.
After spending 32 weeks in hospital, she finally regained enough strength to return home.
How a Dog Lick Sepsis Infection May Have Started
Specialists believe the infection likely entered Sangha’s bloodstream when her family dog licked a small cut or scratch on her skin.
Dog saliva naturally contains bacteria. In very rare cases, these germs can cause severe illness in humans, especially if they enter through open wounds. One known bacterium linked to dog-related infections is Capnocytophaga canimorsus. Although such outcomes are uncommon, doctors say they can be devastating when they occur.
Importantly, these infections usually happen after bites, not licks, which makes Sangha’s case even more unusual.
Still, her experience highlights how unpredictable dog lick sepsis can be.
What Is Sepsis and Why Is It So Dangerous
Sepsis is a medical emergency. It happens when the body overreacts to an infection, leading to widespread inflammation, low blood pressure, and organ damage. In severe cases, it progresses to septic shock, which can be fatal.
Worldwide, millions of people develop sepsis every year. Early symptoms often include:
- Fever or very low body temperature
- Rapid breathing or heart rate
- Confusion or extreme drowsiness
- Cold or clammy skin
- Severe weakness
Doctors stress that quick treatment saves lives.
Conclusion
While cases like Sangha’s are extremely rare, doctors advise basic precautions:
- Clean even small cuts right away
- Cover open wounds
- Avoid letting pets lick broken skin
- Seek medical help quickly if flu-like symptoms worsen suddenly
Her story shows that dog lick sepsis, although uncommon, can have life-changing consequences.
Above all, health experts emphasise this message: if something feels wrong, trust your instincts and get help early. In sepsis, minutes truly matter.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 25 February 2026
- 20:00
