A UK woman has issued a stark public health warning after losing all four limbs following a severe infection believed to have been triggered by a dog lick, highlighting growing concerns around sepsis risk and early detection.
Manjit Sangha, 52, spent more than seven months in intensive medical care after suddenly falling critically ill. What initially appeared to be a minor health issue escalated rapidly into life-threatening sepsis—a condition where the body’s immune response begins attacking its own tissues.
Medical experts suspect the infection may have originated from a seemingly harmless source: a dog licking a small, unnoticed cut. While investigations into the exact cause remain inconclusive, doctors say such bacterial exposure can, in rare cases, lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Sepsis remains a major global health concern, with organizations such as the UK Sepsis Trust estimating around 50,000 deaths annually in the UK alone. The condition requires urgent medical intervention, as delays in treatment can lead to organ failure, limb loss, or death.
Sangha’s ordeal began in July last year when she returned home feeling unwell. Within hours, her condition deteriorated dramatically. By the following morning, she was unconscious, struggling to breathe, and showing signs of severe circulatory failure.
Her husband, Kam Sangha, described the sudden decline in chilling terms: “One minute on a Saturday she’s playing with the dog, Sunday she’s gone to work, Monday night she’s in a coma.”
During her hospitalization at New Cross Hospital, Sangha suffered multiple cardiac arrests as doctors fought to stabilize her condition. In total, her heart stopped six times.
As the infection spread, surgeons were forced to perform a quadruple amputation—removing both legs below the knee and both hands—in a desperate effort to save her life. She also underwent spleen removal while battling additional complications, including pneumonia and gallstones.
Following 32 weeks in hospital, Sangha was discharged from Moseley Hall Hospital and is now adjusting to life after the life-altering surgeries.
Reflecting on her experience, she said: “It’s difficult to explain the experience. Losing your limbs and your hands in a short time period is a very big thing.
“It’s very serious and not to be taken lightly.”
Despite the trauma, Sangha is focused on recovery and rebuilding her independence. She has launched a fundraising campaign to support access to advanced prosthetics and is actively raising awareness about infection prevention and early sepsis symptoms.
Her determination remains clear: “I’ve sat down in my chair and my bed enough. It’s time to walk now.”
The case has also drawn renewed attention to similar incidents. In a separate investigation, 83-year-old June Baxter died after developing a bacterial infection linked to a dog licking a wound. An inquest heard that she had sustained a cut after a fall at home before the exposure occurred.
Medical tests later identified pasteurella multocida—a bacteria commonly found in animal saliva—as the cause of infection. Baxter died from septic shock days later, with underlying health conditions contributing to her death.
Health professionals stress that while such cases are rare, they underscore the importance of proper wound care, hygiene, and early medical attention. Even minor cuts can become dangerous if exposed to harmful bacteria.
Experts advise the public to monitor symptoms such as fever, confusion, difficulty breathing, and extreme pain, and to seek urgent medical care if sepsis is suspected.
Read More: Researchers develop ‘Smart Underwear’ to track a wearer’s farts
