An Indian-origin woman in the United Kingdom, Manjit Sangha, underwent amputations of all four limbs after developing severe sepsis, reportedly triggered by bacteria entering her bloodstream through a minor cut that had been licked by her pet dog.
According to media reports, Sangha had a small cut on her hand when her dog licked the wound. In July 2025, on a Sunday afternoon she came home tired after work and by Monday morning her husband found her curled up in the sofa, lips turned blue and her limbs cold. She became unconscious and was immediately taken to hospital. She was suffering from septic shock, complicated by DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation), a life-threatening complication of sepsis.
In the hospital, doctors informed the relatives that she may not survive. But she survived through many cardiac arrests and quadruple amputations.
Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death. In severe cases, blood pressure drops dangerously low, restricting blood flow to vital organs and limbs.
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Medical experts suspect infection by Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a bacterium commonly found in the mouths of dogs and cats. While harmless to most people, the bacteria can, in rare instances, cause severe bloodstream infections, especially when it enters through broken skin.
Infections from Capnocytophaga are uncommon but can progress rapidly in certain individuals.
Risk factors may include:
Weakened immune system
Chronic medical conditions
Splenectomy (absence of spleen)
Alcohol dependency
However, cases have also been reported in individuals without obvious risk factors.
As Sangha’s condition deteriorated, she developed septic shock. Reduced blood flow to her extremities caused tissue death (gangrene), necessitating amputations of both arms and both legs to save her life.
Septic shock can severely compromise circulation. When blood flow to limbs is insufficient for prolonged periods, tissues become irreversibly damaged. In such cases, surgical amputation is sometimes required to prevent further systemic infection.
Sangha reportedly suffered multiple cardiac arrests during her hospitalization and required intensive care support. She was discharged after 8 months of hospital stay.
Following her survival and recovery phase, Sangha has reportedly been raising awareness about sepsis and its early warning signs.
Sepsis symptoms may include:
High or very low body temperature
Rapid heart rate
Fast breathing
Confusion or disorientation
Extreme pain or discomfort
Cold or mottled skin
Health authorities emphasize that early recognition and prompt treatment significantly improve survival rates.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. It is not an infection itself but a severe immune response to infection. According to global health data, millions of cases are reported annually worldwide, with significant mortality if not treated quickly.
Treatment typically includes:
Intravenous antibiotics
Fluids to maintain blood pressure
Oxygen support
Intensive care monitoring
Early intervention is critical to preventing progression to septic shock and organ failure.
For most individuals, contact with pets, including licks, does not cause serious illness. However, experts advise:
Avoid allowing pets to lick open wounds
Wash minor cuts promptly with soap and water
Seek medical attention if symptoms such as fever or swelling develop
Public health experts note that while such severe cases are rare, awareness is important.
Manjit Sangha’s case highlights the potential severity of sepsis and the importance of recognizing early warning signs. Although infections from pet-related bacteria are uncommon, they can become life-threatening under certain conditions.
Health authorities stress that timely medical intervention remains the most effective strategy in preventing fatal outcomes from sepsis.
(Rh)