Tetanus

Question 1

What is the causative agent of tetanus?

Answer 1

Clostridium tetani bacteria

Question 2

Which of the following animal species is considered most susceptible to tetanus?
a) Cats
b) Dogs
c) Horses
d) Birds

Answer 2

Horses

Question 3

Why are cats and dogs not routinely vaccinated against tetanus?

Answer 3

They are less vulnerable to tetanus

Question 4

Which animal species is considered to be resistant to tetanus?

a) Sheep
b) Humans
c) Cattle
d) Birds

Answer 4

Birds

Question 5

What is the neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani that causes tetanus?

Answer 5

Tetanospasmin

Question 6

Where are Clostridium tetani spores commonly found?

Answer 6

Soil, feces, and dust

Question 7

How does tetanospasmin reach the central nervous system (CNS)?

Answer 7

Retrograde axonal transport and the bloodstream

Question 8

What is the primary effect of tetanospasmin on inhibitory interneurons in the CNS?

Answer 8

Prevention of inhibitory neurotransmitter release (glycine and GABA)

Question 9

What are the main clinical signs of tetanus?

Answer 9

Extensor muscle rigidity and trismus (locked jaw)

Question 10

Why is recovery from tetanus slow?

Answer 10

Recovery requires the generation of new nerve terminals.

Question 11

Which neurotransmitters are specifically inhibited by tetanospasmin?

Answer 11

Glycine and GABA

Question 12

What is the significance of “trismus” in the context of tetanus?

a) It indicates paralysis of the limbs.
b) It refers to the involuntary twitching of muscles.
c) It is the medical term for locked jaw, a common symptom.
d) It describes the loss of sensation in the extremities.

Answer 12

It is the medical term for locked jaw, a common symptom.

Question 13

What is the “vegetative form” of C. tetani, and why is it significant?

Answer 13

It is the active bacterial form that produces tetanospasmin

Question 14

What is the typical time frame for the onset of clinical signs in dogs after a wound or surgery leading to tetanus?

Answer 14

3-18 days

Question 15

How many days or weeks will it take for clinical signs of tetanus to become apparent in cats?

Answer 15

up to 3 weeks

Question 16

Which muscles are often affected first in tetanus?

Answer 16

Facial muscles

Question 17

What is “trismus”?

Answer 17

Inability to open the mouth (lockjaw)

Question 18

What is “risus sardonicus”?

Answer 18

A facial expression with narrowed palpebral fissures and lip retraction (rictus grin)

Question 19

What are some common ocular signs of tetanus?

Answer 19

Enophthalmos and protrusion of the third eyelids

Question 20

What type of gait does an ambulatory patient with tetanus exhibit?

Answer 20

Stiff and stilted gait with a wide-based stance

Question 21

What is “opisthotonus”?

Answer 21

Severe extensor muscle rigidity

Question 22

What are some effects of increased urethral and anal sphincter tone?

Answer 22

Urine retention and constipation

Question 23

What is a rare but life-threatening respiratory complication of tetanus?

Answer 23

Laryngeal spasm

Question 24

Which autonomic nervous system dysfunction is more common in tetanus?

Answer 24

Parasympathetic hyperactivity

Question 25

Why do facial muscles often exhibit the first clinical signs of tetanus?

Answer 25

Their cranial nerves are shorter, allowing faster toxin transport.

Question 26

What is the physiological mechanism behind enophthalmos in tetanus?

Answer 26

Contraction of the muscles associated with the third eyelid.

Question 27

This is painful and can cause life-threatening hyperthermia.

Answer 27

Muscle tetany

Question 28

What is the first step in treating tetanus after diagnosis?

Answer 28

Administration of tetanus antitoxin

Question 29

What type of antitoxin is most commonly used in small animal practice?

Answer 29

Equine serum

Question 30

Why is it important to administer the antitoxin before wound debridement?

Answer 30

To prevent more toxins from being released into circulation.

Question 31

What is the recommended route of administration for the full dose of tetanus antitoxin?

Answer 31

Intravenous

Question 32

What is the purpose of administering a small subcutaneous dose of antitoxin before the full intravenous dose?

Answer 32

To check for anaphylactic reactions.

Question 33

What is the antibiotic of choice for treating tetanus?

Answer 33

Metronidazole

Question 34

What is the recommended duration of antibiotic therapy for tetanus?

Answer 34

10 days

Question 35

What is the most important aspect of tetanus treatment?

Answer 35

Supportive care

Question 36

What are potential complications that require constant monitoring in severe tetanus cases?

Answer 36

Muscle tetany, respiratory failure, and aspiration pneumonia

Question 37

What medications can be used to reduce muscle stiffness and tetany?

Answer 37

Midazolam or diazepam

Question 38

What is the purpose of supraphysiological magnesium therapy in severe tetanus?

Answer 38

To reduce muscle spasms.

Question 39

What is the average hospitalization time for a dog with tetanus?

Answer 39

13-17 days

Question 40

How long does it typically take for most dogs to recover from tetanus?

Answer 40

A month

Question 42

What is the reported survival rate in dogs with tetanus?

Answer 42

50-92 percent

Question 43

What factor might increase the likelihood of severe clinical signs in tetanus?

Answer 43

Younger age

Question 44

What potential complication can dogs recovering from tetanus develop?

Answer 44

REM sleep disorder

Question 45

What is the relationship between the incubation period of tetanus and the severity of clinical signs?

Answer 45

Shorter incubation periods generally correlate with more severe clinical signs.

Question 46

Dosage of Metronidazole in cats

Answer 46

10 to 15mg/kg IV every 12 hrs

Question 47

What are some possible alternative antibiotics for tetanus treatment?

Answer 47

Erythromycin Tetracyclines Chloramphenicol Clindamycin Amoxicillin clavulanate

Question 48

Recommended liquid for flushing wounds

Answer 48

Hydrogen peroxide

Question 49

In severe cases of tetanus, recumbent patients remain the same for how many days or weeks?

Answer 49

2-3 weeks