Pet dog's lick turns deadly: Woman loses both hands, legs, suffers multiple heart attacks in less than 24 hours

A 52-year-old woman recently survived a rare and severe infection that led to the amputation of both her hands and both legs after her pet dog's lick. Manjit Sangha returned home after 32 weeks in hospital, multiple cardiac arrests and life-saving surgeries. Doctors suspect bacteria entered her bloodstream through the minor wound, triggering sepsis within hours.

How a normal weekend turned into a medical emergency

Manjit Sangha fell ill in July 2025 after returning home from work feeling unwell. By the next morning, she was unconscious, her lips had turned purple, her hands and feet were ice-cold and she struggled to breathe.

Speaking to BBC, her husband Kamaljit Sangha said, "Your mind is all over the place. You're thinking, 'How can this happen in less than 24 hours?' One minute on a Saturday, she is playing with the dog, Sunday she's gone to work, Monday night she is in a coma."


She was rushed to Hospital and admitted to the ICU. During her treatment, doctors amputated both her legs below the knee and both hands as the infection spread. She also suffered six cardiac arrests and had her spleen removed due to complications.

Doctors believe the infection may have started when her dog licked a small scratch, allowing bacteria from its saliva to enter her bloodstream.

Sepsis Dog Causes: What caused the infection

The bacteria Capnocytophaga canimorsus, commonly found in dogs likely caused the infection. The bacteria is harmless for animals but can be dangerous for humans in rare cases. It can lead to severe infections such as sepsis and, in extreme situations, death.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in which the body reacts to an infection. Instead of fighting the infection normally, the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues and organs. This leads to widespread inflammation across the body.

In severe cases, sepsis can progress to septic shock, where blood pressure drops sharply. This reduces blood flow to vital organs and can lead to organ failure and death if not treated quickly.

Common causes of sepsis

Bacterial infections are the most common trigger of sepsis. Fungal, viral and parasitic infections can also lead to it.

Some common infection sources include:

• Infections in the lungs and respiratory system
• Urinary tract infections such as bladder or kidney infections
• Gastrointestinal infections such as appendicitis or infections of the liver and gallbladder
• Brain or spinal cord infections
• Skin infections

Sepsis dog infection symptoms

Sepsis can affect multiple parts of the body. Warning signs include:

• Discoloured or red rash
• Small dark red spots on the skin
• Reduced urination or strong urge to urinate
• Low energy and fatigue
• Fast heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Fever or very low body temperature
• Shivering or chills
• Rapid breathing or breathlessness
• Severe pain

Early treatment is critical, as the condition can worsen very quickly.

Life-threatening complications of sepsis

Sepsis can lead to several serious complications:

1. Septic shock
A sudden drop in blood pressure reduces blood flow to organs and can lead to multi-organ failure.

2. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Fluid builds up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and often requiring ventilator support.

3. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
Abnormal clotting throughout the body can block blood vessels and also cause severe bleeding.

4. Acute kidney injury
Reduced blood flow damages the kidneys, sometimes leading to long-term kidney problems or dialysis.

5. Post-sepsis syndrome (PSS)
Many survivors experience long-term issues such as fatigue, memory problems, muscle weakness and mental health changes.

Infections from pets are rare but possible, especially when bacteria enter through open wounds. Immediate medical care is crucial if symptoms such as fever, confusion or breathing difficulty appear after an infection.

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)