Equine Biosecurity ~ Client Education Talk
Equine Biosecurity presented by Dr. Mike Stanford
Spot the Signs of PPID
Ask us about FREE Cushings Testing!
Update from Ali from her day at the Butte County fairgrounds helping horses and livestock affected by the fires 🔥 with Northern California Association of Equine Practitioners
Foal Friday! Lets cuddle up in the barn on rainy days!
Equine Tetanus
Correct Answer: Tetanus!
Tetanus is an often fatal disease that every horse is at risk for. It is caused by infection by the bacteria clostridium tetani, which can live for many years in the soil, and invades through deep muscle lacerations and punctures, hoof punctures, the umbilicus in foals and the reproductive tract in mares post-foaling. C. tetani produces a potent neurotoxin which causes spasmadic, tonic contractions of the skeletal muscles by interfering with the release of inhibatory neurotransmitters from nerve endings- causing the classic signs seen below in this video- a "locked jaw", stiff neck, rigid stance, and protrusion of the third eyelids.
Treatment is intensive and involves aggressive antibiotic therapy, tetanus antitoxin therapy, tranquilizers/sedatives, IV fluids, thorough cleaning of the wounds, and tube feeding if the jaw is too tight to allow the horse to chew. Success of treatment depends of the severity of the infection, the duration of the infection, and the individuals response to treatment. Even with aggressive treatment, unfortunately the prognosis for survival of this disease is poor, reported to be less than 25% of cases. If the horse survives the first few days with treatment, the prognosis for survival may improve to 50% or greater.
*Prevention with vaccination is key!!!*
Vaccines available against tetanus are formalin-inactivated adjuvanted toxoid. The toxoid is an antigen that upon vaccination produces a strong immunological response via production of circulating antibodies in the horses bloodstream. This circulating antibody level offers complete protection against tetanus for vaccinated horses. It is recommended that all horses are vaccinated with tetanus toxoid every year, or with increased risk such as surgery or lacerations a vaccine may be administered at that time if it has been greater than 6 months since the previous vaccination. It is recommended that foals start vaccinations against tetanus at 4-6 mont
Luna
Luna our hospital cat likes to play hide and grab your hand!
Have you RSVP'ed yet for our client appreciation dinner? Don't miss out this coming Tuesday at 6:30pm for dinner, drinks, door prize & educations talks! Give our office a call at 209-669-8600 to let us know you are coming
Taylor Equine Client Appreciation Dinner
Join us for our Client Appreciation Dinner Tuesday October 24th at 6:30pm. Dinner, drinks, door prize and educational talks! Seating is limited so please RSVP to reserve your seat by emailing [email protected] or call (209) 669-8600