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.