The spores can enter open wounds, where they can grow if favorable conditions. When the spores die, they emit the neurotoxic tetanospasmin, which is responsible for the clinical symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Brown](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Brown-horse-is-running.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Causes of Equine Tetanus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The bacteria Clostridium tetani<\/em>, which you can find in almost any soil or dropping, causes tetanus. It can live in the environment for extended periods. Also, it enters the body through wounds, particularly unclean puncture wounds. Puncture wounds on the horse’s feet soles are common infection sites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, an infection can enter the horse’s body through the intestines after consuming infected dirt or droppings or through stomach<\/a> or intestinal ulcers. As a result, the infection can spread through the umbilicus in foals. Read our article and find out 7 of The Best Ulcer Supplements for Horses .<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n You will realize tetanus bacteria do not require oxygen and grow fast in the injured tissues. They produce a poison (tetanus toxin) responsible for the classic tetanus symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tetanus symptoms appear three to twenty days after infection. As a result, the injured horse stiffens and has trouble moving and eating. Typical clinical signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tetanus is typically diagnosed based on clinical indicators and a recent wound history. Therefore the vets may culture C. tetani<\/em> from the wound in some situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The majority of tetanus instances result in the death of the infected animal. Therefore, treatment aims to eliminate the bacteria, so there is no more toxin creation and reduce the consequences of the already produced toxin if detected early. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, during treatment, they combine high dosages of antibiotics, mainly penicillin, with tetanus antitoxin, commonly administered intravenously and intramuscularly. Also, they occasionally administer antitoxin into the area around the spinal cord (subarachnoid space). <\/p>\n\n\n\n During this time, you must nurse and keep the horse in a darkened, quiet stall to decrease muscle spasms and anxiety. Also, if the horse can eat, place the food at a height it can easily reach. You may require slinging in extreme instances. This entails suspending the horse’s weight from the ceiling or another support using a large leather or cloth strap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Apart from that, intravenous fluids and bladder catheterization may also be necessary. However, if such procedures are a requirement, the possibilities of recovery are pretty low, and euthanasia on humane grounds is more suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n Tetanus is an avoidable disease. Therefore, tetanus toxoid for horses is essential for all horses and ponies. The initial treatment includes two tetanus shots for horses four to six weeks apart, followed by a one-year booster and other annual boosters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your unvaccinated horse gets injured, it should receive tetanus antitoxin, followed by toxoid, as soon as possible, if not simultaneously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, you can protect foals during their first few weeks by immunizing their pregnant<\/a> dams one month before foaling. This results in sound levels of protective antibodies in their colostrum, which the foal can suck and ingest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You should give Tetanus antitoxin for horses to the foal shortly after birth and again at three to four weeks of age under conditions of intense foal treatment and if the mare did not receive a vaccine. Also, you should note that foals cannot respond to vaccines given before four months but should begin an equine tetanus vaccine (toxoid) course soon after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, you can avoid horse tetanus with proper first aid. Also, you should clean wounds as soon as possible and try to assist drainage of deeper injuries, such as poulticing. Paddocks, stables, and stable yards should be secure, clean, and free of potentially dangerous items such as old tractor parts, corrugated iron sheets, and building materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recumbent horses would have a poor prognosis, especially if clinical indications progressed swiftly. Affected horses that can stand have a good prognosis, with recovery taking 2 to 6 weeks. It is possible to recover completely. However, tetanus has links to up to 80% mortality in horses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We know so much about tetanus in horses. Let us look at some interesting facts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Horses are more susceptible to tetanus than other animals. As a result, a modest amount of the pathogen’s toxins can be fatal to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In actuality, tetanus can result from any break in the skin that allows C. tetani spores to enter the body. Similarly, health officials warn that missed or improperly cleaned superficial wounds pose a greater tetanus risk than punctures or more severe injuries that are more likely to receive immediate and complete medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTetanus Symptoms in Horses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to Vets Diagnose the Condition?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treating Equine Tetanus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"White](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/White-spotted-horse.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nAre There Ways to Prevent Tetanus in Horses?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Prognosis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Interesting Facts About Tetanus in Equines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Horses are Especially Vulnerable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tetanus Transmission Can be Through Almost Any Wound<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Horse](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Horse-in-the-mountain.jpg\")
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