Indian-Origin Woman Survives Near-Fatal Sepsis After Pet Dog Licks Minor Cut
In a harrowing medical ordeal, a 56-year-old Indian-origin woman from Birmingham, England, narrowly survived a severe bout of sepsis that doctors believe may have originated from her pet dog licking a small cut on her skin. The infection led to multiple cardiac arrests and ultimately necessitated a quadruple amputation to save her life.
Rapid Onset of Life-Threatening Symptoms
In July 2025, Manjit Sangha returned home from work feeling unwell. The situation deteriorated alarmingly fast. By the next day, her husband Kam Sangha, 60, discovered her unconscious on their couch. Her lips had turned blue and her hands and feet were ice cold, prompting an immediate emergency call.
Kam Sangha recounted the terrifying experience to the BBC, stating, "Your mind is all over the place. 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."
Critical Hospitalization and Severe Complications
Manjit was rushed to the intensive care unit at New Cross Hospital where she was placed in a medically induced coma. Her condition was so critical that she experienced cardiac arrest six times while hospitalized, with doctors uncertain if she would survive.
Medical professionals diagnosed her with sepsis, a dangerous condition where the body's response to infection causes damage to its own organs. They suspect bacteria entered her system through a minor cut or scratch, potentially after her dog licked the area.
As the sepsis progressed, Manjit developed a rare complication called disseminated intravascular coagulation, which triggers abnormal blood clotting throughout the body. This devastating chain of events forced surgeons to perform life-saving amputations of both her legs below the knees and both her hands. Additionally, she required removal of her spleen after developing pneumonia and gallstones.
Long Road to Recovery and Rehabilitation
Manjit spent more than seven months in hospital before beginning her gradual recovery. She has now returned home, where her family has established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover substantial expenses including:
- Advanced prosthetic limbs
- Extensive physical therapy sessions
- Mental health support services
- Home adaptations for improved accessibility
Her family wrote on the fundraising page, "Understandably, Manjit is devastated. She is mourning the life she had before—where simple tasks like picking up a glass of water were effortless. We are committed to helping Manjit rebuild her life."
Determination to Regain Independence
Despite the profound challenges, Manjit has expressed unwavering determination to regain her independence. "I want to get walking," she declared. "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."
She hopes that by sharing her traumatic experience, others will recognize the seriousness of sepsis and seek prompt medical attention for potential symptoms. "It could happen to anybody," she warned, emphasizing that this life-threatening condition can affect anyone regardless of age or health status.
The medical community continues to stress the importance of recognizing sepsis symptoms early, which include fever, chills, rapid breathing, confusion, and extreme pain. Immediate treatment with antibiotics and intravenous fluids is crucial for survival.
