Doctors believe may have begun when her pet dog licked a small cut on her skin
Digital Desk: A 56-year-old woman in the United Kingdom lost all four limbs and suffered six cardiac arrests after developing severe sepsis, which doctors believe may have begun when her pet dog licked a small cut on her skin.
Manjit Sangha fell ill in July 2025 after returning home from work feeling unwell on a Sunday afternoon. By the following morning, her condition had dramatically worsened. She was found unconscious, with ice-cold hands and feet, purple lips, and severe breathing difficulties.
She was rushed to New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, where she was admitted to the intensive care unit. Within 24 hours, her condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to multiple organ failure. During her prolonged hospital stay of 32 weeks, Sangha suffered six cardiac arrests and several serious complications.
Doctors were ultimately forced to amputate both of her legs below the knee and both of her hands to prevent the infection from spreading further. Her spleen was also removed as part of the life-saving treatment.
Medical experts believe the infection may have started when her dog licked a minor cut or scratch, allowing bacteria from the animal’s saliva to enter her bloodstream. One possible cause identified by doctors is Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a bacterium commonly found in dogs. While harmless to animals, it can, in rare cases, cause severe infections such as sepsis in humans.
After returning home, Sangha has spoken publicly about her ordeal, urging people not to ignore even minor wounds and to seek medical help if they experience unusual symptoms. She has stressed that sepsis can affect anyone and can escalate rapidly if not treated in time.
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body has an extreme response to an infection. Instead of fighting the infection normally, the immune system triggers widespread inflammation, which can damage tissues and organs.
In severe cases, sepsis can progress to septic shock, a condition marked by a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure. This can result in tissue damage, multiple organ failure, and death. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Causes of Sepsis
According to medical experts, bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis, although fungal, viral, and parasitic infections can also trigger it. Common sources include:
· Respiratory infections, including pneumonia
· Urinary tract infections involving the bladder or kidneys
· Gastrointestinal infections such as appendicitis or peritonitis
· Central nervous system infections affecting the brain or spinal cord
· Skin infections
Symptoms of Sepsis
Sepsis can affect multiple parts of the body. Common symptoms include:-
· Discoloured or red rash
· Small dark red spots on the skin
· Reduced urination or frequent urge to urinate
· Extreme fatigue or low energy
· Rapid heart rate
· Low blood pressure
· Fever or abnormally low body temperature
· Shivering or chills
· Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
· Severe pain
Potential Complications
Sepsis can lead to several life-threatening complications, including:-
Septic Shock: A drastic drop in blood pressure that impairs blood flow to vital organs.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Fluid buildup in the lungs that severely reduces oxygen levels.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): Abnormal clotting and bleeding throughout the body.
Acute Kidney Injury: Kidney failure due to reduced blood flow and inflammation, sometimes requiring dialysis.
Post-Sepsis Syndrome (PSS): Long-term effects such as fatigue, muscle weakness, cognitive difficulties, and emotional distress.
Health experts continue to stress the importance of early treatment and awareness, noting that even minor infections or wounds should not be overlooked.
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