22/01/2025
**Tetanus Awareness Post**
Vet Sam recently attended an usual presentation that turned out to be a devastating case of tetanus. After initially thinking that this could be a case of tying up or a locking stifle, it quickly became apparent something more serious was occurring. Within approximately 1 hour, the patients symptoms were progressing rapidly from a stiff gait to severe ataxia, muscle tremors and locked jaw. He was immediately started on intensive treatment. Sadly, despite making an apparent full recovery, we lost this gorgeous boy a week later. His owner requested we share his story to help raise awareness about how devastating this disease can be.
Tetanus is contracted through open wounds and caused by a bacteria Clostridium Tetani. Vaccinated horses are still at risk but the fatality rate is much higher and clinical signs more severe in unvaccinated horses. Clinical signs include a stiff or stilted gait, elevated tail head, severe muscle tremors, protrusion of the third eyelid and a locked jaw. Horses may also be hyper-reactive to stimuli such as noise or light. Treatment required includes IV tetanus antitoxin, high dose penicillin, sedation, anti-inflammatories, NG tube fluids/feed/electrolytes, IV fluids and reducing stimuli with ear plugs and a dark stable.
The whole team at Intake are devastated we were unable to save this beautiful boy and we are thinking of his owner at this sad time.
