Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is an extremely serious disease of the central nervous system that has a high mortality rate in horses. The bacteria causing tetanus is found worldwide, and therefore, every unvaccinated horse is a potential victim.
Agent
Bacteria, Clostridium tetani
Route
Deep puncture wounds contaminated with dirt
Symptoms:
- Inability to open mouth to eat and drink
- Eyes wide open and ears rigid
- Stiffness and rigidity of the entire body
- Extreme sensitivity to sounds, sights, and touch
- Third eyelid closes uncontrollably
(One way to distinguish tetanus from other neurological diseases is to clap your hands and watch the third eyelid. It will close uncontrollably.)
- Convulsions and death in 75 to 80 percent of cases.
Treatment
Sedatives and muscle relaxers should be administered along with the tetanus antitoxin
Prevention
Vaccination with tetanus toxoid is a highly effective preventive
See Bacterial Diseases of the Horse for more information.
