Neurologic disorders: Tetanus and Vestibular disease

Question 1

While clinical signs of tetanus can be either localized or generalized, what clinical signs would you expect with each?

Answer 1

Localized = proximal to the site of introduction causing muscle rigidity, entire limb rigidity, and facial muscle spasms

Generalized = stiff gait affecting all limbs, increased muscle tone, dyspnea, elevated tail and sawhorse stance

Question 2

Head involvement in patients with suspected tetanus include what clinical signs?

Answer 2

Spams of the masticatory and pharyngeal muscles, lockjaw, dysphasia, pytalism, regurgitation, sardonic grin

Question 3

Treatment for patients with tetanus includes -?

Answer 3

Antitoxin (no studies have shown differences in survival, severity of clinical signs, or duration of clinical signs), Penicillin G, wound debridement/ hydrogen peroxide flush, sedation (benzodiazepines), or propofol is clinical signs continue

Question 4

Supportive intensive care is recommended in patients undergoing tetanus treatment. Common secondary complications include -?

Answer 4

Aspiration pneumonia, upper respiratory tract obstruction requiring tracheostomy, hiatal hernia, hyperthermia, and coxofemoral luxation

Question 5

Supportive care is ideal for patients with vestibular disease. Treatment options include -?

Answer 5

Fluid therapy, feeding tubes, antiemetic medications (maropitant, ondansetron, reglan)