MILWAUKEE (WISN) — A Wisconsin man who lost part of his forearms and legs after contracting a rare blood infection from dog saliva said Tuesday that he’s determined to walk and drive again, tasks that will require the use of prosthetics.
Doctors discharged Greg Manteufel two weeks ago after at least 10 surgeries since late June. Surgeons amputated parts of his limbs because circulation to his arms and legs shut down.
“It was just unbelievable when they told me what happened,” he said. “I’ve been around dogs my whole life and never thought something like this could happen.”
Manteufel was diagnosed with a blood infection caused by capnocytophaga, bacteria common in the saliva of cats and dogs that almost never lead to illness.
The West Bend man said that in a year, he hopes to be living “pretty close” to a normal life.
“We didn’t fight this hard to ly down and give up,” said his wife, Dawn Manteufel. “We still know we have a fight to go.”
The couple has a dog, but doctors don’t know whether the pet or another dog gave Manteufel the infection. He added during Tuesday’s news conference with his doctors that his experience hasn’t changed how he feels about dogs.
A GoFundMe account remains active to collect donations to help cover Manteufel’s care. A benefit event and Harley ride will be held Saturday at Sheryl’s Club 175 in Slinger.