Woman Loses All Limbs After Sepsis From Dog Lick – Family Launches GoFundMe

A 56-year-old woman from Birmingham, England, underwent a quadruple amputation after developing sepsis, a life-threatening condition triggered, doctors believe, by a lick from her dog on a minor cut. The case highlights the often-underestimated risk of infection, even from common household pets, and the devastating consequences sepsis can have.

Manjit Sangha’s ordeal began on July 20, 2025, when she returned home from work feeling unwell. The following day, her husband, Kam Sangha, found her unconscious on the couch, exhibiting alarming symptoms including blue lips and ice-cold extremities. She was immediately transported to New Cross Hospital and placed in a medically induced coma.

“Your mind is all over the place,” Kam Sangha told the BBC. “You’re thinking, ‘How can this happen in less than 24 hours?’ 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 32-week hospitalization, Manjit experienced six cardiac arrests and faced a precarious struggle for survival. Doctors identified sepsis as the root cause of her condition, suspecting it originated from bacteria introduced through a dog’s lick on a small cut or scratch. Sepsis, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is a severe bodily response to an infection. It can escalate to septic shock, a dangerous drop in blood pressure that can inflict significant damage on vital organs like the lungs, kidneys, and liver, ultimately leading to death.

The case was further complicated by the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a rare and life-threatening condition often associated with sepsis. According to the National Institutes of Health, DIC causes abnormal blood clotting throughout the body, potentially leading to organ failure.

“Her chances of survival were slim,” her family shared in a GoFundMe post created to support her recovery. “We were told she had only days to live, and if she did survive, she might face multiple amputations.”

Sadly, the severity of the infection and subsequent complications necessitated the amputation of both of Manjit’s legs below the knee, as well as both of her hands, to save her life. She also required the removal of her spleen due to pneumonia and gallstones developed during her illness.

Despite the immense physical and emotional challenges, Manjit has shown remarkable resilience. After her extended hospital stay, she has returned home and is focused on rebuilding her life. Her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for advanced prosthetics – potentially including robotic hands – physical therapy, mental health support, and home modifications to improve accessibility.

“She’s the strongest person I know. Every time I thought I’d lost her, she came back fighting. Now it’s our turn to fight for her,” Kam Sangha stated.

Manjit herself expressed a determined outlook, telling the BBC, “I want to get walking. I want to get my prosthetics to go back to work. I’ve sat down in my chair and my bed enough. It’s time to walk now.”

Beyond her personal recovery, Manjit hopes that sharing her story will raise awareness about the potential dangers of even seemingly minor infections and the importance of prompt medical attention. “It could happen to anybody,” she cautioned. “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.”

This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for zoonotic infections – those transmitted from animals to humans – and the critical importance of practicing good hygiene and seeking medical care for any signs of infection, no matter how small. While dog licks are generally harmless, this instance underscores the possibility of bacterial transmission, particularly through open wounds.

Sepsis remains a significant public health concern. Early recognition and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes. Symptoms of sepsis can include fever, chills, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion, and disorientation. Anyone experiencing these symptoms, especially in the context of an infection, should seek immediate medical attention.