# Severe Generalized Tetanus in a Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) Under Human Care: A Case Report from the Republic of Congo

## TL;DR

A chimpanzee with severe tetanus from a dirty wound was successfully treated with immediate medical care and returned to his group after eight weeks.

## Contribution

This case report demonstrates successful treatment of severe tetanus in a chimpanzee using a comprehensive care protocol.

## Key findings

- Immediate wound debridement and antitoxin administration were critical in treating the chimpanzee's tetanus.
- The chimpanzee fully recovered within eight weeks and was reintegrated into his group.
- Systematic vaccination and proper wound care are essential in preventing and managing tetanus in endangered primates.

## Abstract

Tetanus is a life-threatening disease that causes painful muscle stiffness and sudden spasms. We present the case of a young chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) that was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and arrived at a sanctuary with deep, dirty wounds and signs of tetanus. This included difficulty opening his mouth, a rigid posture, and spasms triggered by noise or touch, all while he remained fully conscious. The veterinary team acted immediately, cleaning and removing dead tissue from the wounds, administering an antitoxin to neutralize the toxin, starting a vaccination programme to protect him in the future, using antibiotics that work in low-oxygen environments, and controlling the spasms with calming and muscle-relaxing medication. He received gentle nursing in a quiet, dark room, assistance with breathing during spasms, careful feeding, and temporary urinary support. The spasms stopped by day five, and he had made a full recovery by eight weeks, returning to his group. This case shows that, with rapid and well-coordinated care, severe tetanus in great apes can be successfully treated, and underscores the importance of routine vaccination and proper wound care in protecting endangered wildlife.

Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disease affecting vertebrate species, including primates. Here, we present a case of severe generalized tetanus in a juvenile male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) that was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and admitted to a rehabilitation center in the Republic of Congo. Upon arrival, the chimpanzee presented with deep, contaminated constrictive wounds, trismus, generalized rigidity, and stimulus-induced tonic spasms accompanied by transient apnea, while remaining conscious. A presumptive clinical diagnosis was made, after which integrated care began immediately. This included meticulous wound debridement and irrigation, passive immunization with antitoxin, initiation of active immunization, metronidazole with adjunctive penicillin G, diazepam-based spasm control, multimodal analgesia, and low-stimulation nursing with oxygen supplementation, enteral nutrition, and temporary urinary catheterization. Aerobic wound culture yielded mixed flora, and a Gram stain of the feces showed large Gram-positive rods with terminal spores. Hematology tests revealed leucopenia with neutropenia and severe thrombocytopenia. The spasms ceased by day 5, at which point the diazepam dose was reduced and oral intake was increased. By week 8, he had made a full clinical recovery and was successfully reintegrated into his group. This case supports the use of pragmatic, sanctuary-adapted protocols and systematic vaccination.