One of the most innocent things in the world – getting licked by a dog – could have had incredibly tragic consequences for Manjit Sangha, 56, from the UK. Doctors believe she may have contracted a near-fatal infection from her pet dog, which may have led to her limb amputation.
BBC reported About a rare case over the weekend. Last summer, Sangha developed severe and rapidly progressing sepsis and was put into a coma. Although she lost a limb and spleen, she survived the ordeal and is hopeful of a recovery.
“I want to start walking,” Sangha told the BBC. “I would like to get a prosthetic leg. [and] To get back to work. ”
accidental lick
Sangha’s husband, Kam Sangha, said that in late July 2025, Sangha came home from work on a Sunday afternoon and immediately felt unwell, and by Monday morning, she was deprived of oxygen and unresponsive. She was rushed to the hospital and placed in the intensive care unit, where her heart stopped at least six times.
It was an acute case of septic shock. Better known as sepsis, it is a life-threatening drop in blood pressure caused by extreme and widespread inflammation throughout the body. The infection caused sepsis, but doctors told the BBC that Sangha could have contracted the infection through something as simple as her dog licking a small open wound or scratch.
Although doctors were able to stabilize her condition, Sangha experienced other complications, including pneumonia and gallstones. Although she managed to survive and gradually recover, the disease later required the removal of her spleen and the partial amputation of all of her limbs.
But in the end, Sangha was discharged from the hospital after 32 weeks in the hospital and returned home last week.
“It’s hard to explain this experience,” she says. “Losing a limb in such a short period of time is a big deal.”
recover
Although most infections do not cause sepsis, it is a common and serious health problem. According to , nearly 50 million people worldwide develop sepsis each year. world health organizationwhile 11 million deaths per year are associated with it (about 20% of all annual deaths).
Sepsis treatment is expensive, and so is the post-recovery care of sepsis survivors. Sangha estimates it will cost tens of thousands of dollars to obtain advanced prosthetics that will allow him to walk and use his limbs again with great mobility and independence. To that end, her friends and family have organized a GoFundMe. campaign The cost to rebuild her life is now £34,005 (approximately US$45,000).
Despite the terrible experience, Sangha is optimistic about the future.
“I’ve sat enough in the chair and in bed. It’s time to walk,” she told the BBC.
