A single dog lick can have devastating consequences, as one woman's life was irrevocably changed after a seemingly minor interaction led to a life-threatening infection.
Manjit Sangha, a 56-year-old from Birmingham, England, experienced a terrifying ordeal in July 2025. After returning home from work and feeling unwell, her husband, Kam, found her unconscious the next day. Her condition was dire: her lips were blue, and her extremities were ice-cold. This rapid decline, from a normal day to a critical state in less than 24 hours, left her family in shock.
But here's where it gets controversial... Doctors later determined that Manjit had developed sepsis, a severe and potentially fatal response to infection. The most shocking aspect? They believe the initial trigger might have been a lick from her own dog on a small, unnoticed cut or scratch. This raises questions about the invisible dangers lurking in our everyday environments and the vulnerabilities of our own bodies.
Sepsis, for those unfamiliar, is when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection, causing widespread inflammation that can damage vital organs. In Manjit's case, this led to her being placed in a medically induced coma in the intensive care unit. The situation was so critical that she suffered cardiac arrest six times, and her survival was far from guaranteed. Her husband described the agonizing wait, with medical staff often unsure if she would make it through the day.
And this is the part most people miss... Beyond the sepsis itself, Manjit developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a rare and dangerous complication where abnormal blood clots form throughout the body. Her family shared that her chances of survival were considered slim, with doctors warning that even if she lived, multiple amputations might be necessary. Tragically, this prediction came true. To save her life, surgeons had to amputate both of her legs below the knee and both of her hands. She also underwent the removal of her spleen due to complications with pneumonia and gallstones.
After an arduous 32 weeks in the hospital, Manjit's health eventually improved, and she has returned home. Her family has launched a GoFundMe to aid in her recovery, seeking funds for advanced prosthetics, which could include robotic hands, extensive physical therapy, mental health support, and necessary home modifications to ensure her living space is accessible. They acknowledge her profound grief over the loss of her former life and the simple tasks she can no longer perform effortlessly, but are committed to helping her rebuild.
Manjit, despite the immense challenges, is determined to regain her independence. She expressed her strong desire to walk again and return to work using her prosthetics, stating, "It's time to walk now." Her hope in sharing her story is to serve as a stark warning to others: "It could happen to anybody." She emphasizes the seriousness of such an experience, where losing limbs and hands in a short period is a profound and life-altering event that should not be underestimated.
Do you believe that everyday interactions, like a pet's lick, pose a greater risk than we realize? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
