Warmer weather means horses will often be out in areas that might contain tetanus toxins as they move more freely around farm areas. Good farm and barn keeping mean that sources that might lead to tetanus are reduced by making sure all items such as rusty nails or other items that might cause puncture wounds to horse's soles are not part of the scene.
Two horses in a rain-drenched muddy paddock
Tetanus is a disease caused by a bacteria (Clostidium tetani) found in the soil and usually enters the horse's body through wounds, with punctures of the sole being a common route of infection.
© 2008 by Louis New window.
Because of its seemingly sudden appearance and the nature of its symptoms, tetanus is a frightening disease that affects animals and humans. Horses are especially vulnerable to tetanus because they possess less natural immunity and are subject to wounds and injuries that come in contact with soil that has been contaminated by horse and cow manure.
Tetanus infections often occur in puncture wounds where the oxygen content is low. Any cut or injury can serve as an entry for the bacteria. In the horse's body, the bacteria produce a potent neurotoxin that is transmitted along the nerves and into the spinal cord. The toxins may also be absorbed locally and carried by the bloodstream into the brain.
To ensure your horse’s health is maintained it is important to vaccinate your horse against tetanus.
Below are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about equine tetanus.
1. How is tetanus spread?
Tetanus is a disease caused by a bacteria (Clostidium tetani) which is found in the soil. The bacteria enter the body through wounds, with punctures of the sole being a common route of infection. The bacteria then cause disease by producing toxins that affect the nervous system.
Tetanus is not contagious and therefore cannot be passed from one horse to another. The bacteria are found in the soil, with a punctured sole being a common cause of infection.
2. What are the signs of equine tetanus?
Signs of equine tetanus include: Muscle stiffness resulting in a ‘rocking horse’ stance and ‘lock-jaw’ , difficulty moving and eating, protrusion of the third eyelid, and seizures. Horses with a tetanus infection become seriously ill very quickly and in many cases the disease is fatal despite all attempts at treatment.
3. Can my horse die of tetanus? Unfortunately in the majority of cases the disease proves to be fatal. How is tetanus treated?
Treatment involves administering large repeated doses of tetanus antitoxin to help bind the circulating toxins and large doses of penicillin. Other treatments are largely supportive and involve the use of sedatives, muscle relaxants, fluid replacement, wound debridement and slings. Treatment is expensive, labour intensive and often unrewarding and affected horses are often euthanised on welfare grounds.
How do I stop my horse from getting tetanus?
Fully vaccinated horses are able to neutralize the toxin before it can cause ill effects and thus disease is prevented. Please contact your vet to discuss vaccination of your horse. For more information please visit Tetanus
Edited press release by KBHH