URGENT UPDATE: A shocking case in the UK has exposed the hidden dangers of dog saliva, resulting in a life-altering ordeal for Manjit Sangha, a 56-year-old woman from Birmingham. After a simple lick from her pet dog on a minor cut, she developed severe sepsis, leading to the loss of all four limbs.
The incident unfolded on a Sunday afternoon in July 2025. By Monday morning, her husband discovered her unconscious with cold feet, blue lips, and labored breathing. Rushed to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, doctors quickly diagnosed her with severe sepsis, likely triggered by bacteria from her dog’s saliva, specifically Capnocytophaga canimorsus.
Sangha’s condition deteriorated rapidly, plunging her into septic shock and leading to her heart stopping six times during a grueling 32-week hospital stay at Moseley Hall Hospital. Throughout her battle, she also faced pneumonia and gallstones, requiring the removal of her spleen.
Sepsis occurs when the body’s immune response spirals out of control, attacking its own tissues and organs, which can result in multi-organ failure. According to the Sepsis Trust, approximately 50,000 deaths occur annually in the UK due to sepsis-related complications, making it one of the leading killers, often misdiagnosed in its early stages.
Dog saliva harbors bacteria, including Capnocytophaga canimorsus, which can lead to severe infections. A review indicates a staggering 26% mortality rate associated with this bacterium, with 60% of cases stemming from bites and 24% from licks or scratches. The onset typically occurs within 1-8 days of exposure. Vulnerable groups include the elderly and immunocompromised, but Sangha’s case highlights that healthy adults are also at risk—her infection progressed to acral necrosis, necessitating quadruple amputation of both legs below the knees and both hands.
Globally, sepsis affects 49 million people each year, leading to 11 million deaths, according to the World Health Organization. In the UK, sepsis hospital admissions surged by 52% from 2015 to 2020, as reported by the NHS. While dog lick transmissions are rare, they can be devastating; studies indicate that Capnocytophaga sepsis occurs in just 0.0004% of exposures, yet the fatality rate hits 25-30% without prompt treatment.
Similar incidents include a 41-year-old man who lost his legs, nose, and fingers after a dog lick, and an 83-year-old who died from Pasteurella multocida sepsis. Early symptoms such as fever, confusion, and rapid breathing are critical red flags; survival rates drop dramatically—by 7-8%—for each hour untreated.
Experts are urging pet owners to avoid allowing dog licks on open wounds, eyes, mouths, or noses and to clean any wounds immediately after exposure. Individuals without spleens should carry antibiotics and wear medical alerts. Sangha emphasizes, “It’s a serious matter… it could happen to anybody,” underscoring the importance of hygiene around pets.
Manjit’s harrowing experience—a loving dog’s lick turning into a 32-week fight for survival—highlights the stealthy threat of sepsis from everyday pet interactions. With 50,000 UK deaths each year attributed to sepsis, awareness is crucial. Recognizing symptoms early, cleaning wounds promptly, and consulting medical professionals without delay can save lives. While Sangha remains determined to walk again, her story serves as a vital warning for all pet owners.
