Tetanus - A Serious Disease
Tetanus occurs when a wound becomes infected with bacterial spores of Clostridium tetani. These spores germinate, multiply and produce a very powerful poison which affects the muscles. Some cases of tetanus occur from wounds that are so small they are not noticed.
Signs-
An affected horse moves with a stiff-legged gait, often with the tail held out stiffly and the ears pricked. As the disease progresses the muscles become so rigid and stiff that the horse may fall and not be able to get up again. Convulsions may occur and death is caused by paralysis of the breathing muscles.
Treatment-
Treatment is difficult, time consuming, very expensive and often unsuccessful. It involves the use of tetanus antitoxin to neutralise unbound circulating toxin, penicillin to prevent further growth of C/. tetani, muscle relaxants to relax the rigid muscles, and supportive therapy until the toxin is eliminated or destroyed. In the case of this disease, PREVENTION is better than the cure, and this cannot be stressed enough!!
Control-
Vaccination is the only way to provide safe, effective long-term protection against tetanus. If an unvaccinated horse is injured, tetanus antitoxin should be administered to provide immediate but short-term (3 weeks) protection. At the same time a vaccination program should be commenced to develop long-lasting immunity. The tetanus vaccine (Equivac-T) may be administered intramuscularly on one side of the neck, while the tetanus antitoxin is injected subcutaneously on the other side of the neck. A separate syringe and needle should be used for each product. This will result in both immediate and long lasting protection. If your horse/pony gets an injury, and you're concerned about your horse/pony contracting this disease, then it's best to contact your Vet for some advice regarding the steps that should be taken. Remember - your Vet will give free advice, and they are just a phone call away!!
And again - prevention is better than the cure!!
Article by Samantha Lloyd
Resources from Pfizer Australia Animal Health