June Baxter, aged 83, from Norfolk, passed away from sepsis after her granddaughter’s pet dog licked an injury on her leg.
June Baxter, described as “very frail” yet self-reliant and resolute, suffered a leg wound on June 29 while using a commode at her residence in Attleborough. The injury was later licked by her granddaughter’s dog, which eventually led to a life-threatening infection, according to details shared during the hearing at Norfolk Coroner’s Court.
The inquest determined that June Baxter’s death resulted from an accidental infection caused by pasteurella multocida — a type of bacteria frequently found in the mouths of domestic pets, such as dogs. Coroner Johanna Thompson stated: “Mrs Baxter was in poor health. On June 29, she was found with a leg wound at home. The next day she felt unwell and was taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, where she was diagnosed with an infection traced back to a domestic dog licking her wound.”
Emergency responders initially treated her at home, managing the wound by repositioning the torn skin and applying a dressing, but her condition worsened rapidly. She was brought to the hospital the following day, where blood tests confirmed the infection was due to pasteurella multocida. Despite receiving treatment, June developed intense sepsis symptoms and died on July 7.
The inquest also revealed that she had existing medical conditions involving her kidneys, liver, and heart, which were listed as contributing factors.
Her granddaughter, Caitlan Allin, who was also her main caregiver, arrived after the injury had taken place. It was then that her dog licked the exposed wound. Coroner Thompson officially concluded the cause of death as accidental
