Tetanus Flashcards
Caused by
exotoxins of Clostridium tetani
Characterized by
rigid paralysis
gram positive or negative?
gram positive
Route of infection
contaminated puncture wounds
Occurs in (location)
all parts of the world
Causative wounds are not found in ___% of infected horses
15-30%
Causes this sort of stance
sawhorse
Other clinical signs:
rigidity of head and neck muscles - cannot eat or drink
prolapse of third eyelid
recumbency
tonic spasms (to sound, light, touch)
Can cause death due to
respiratory failure
laryngeal spasm and asphyxia; contraction of chest wall,, diaphragm and abdomen
Two toxins produced:
tetanolysin
tetanospasmin
Tetanolysin
damages tissue, creating favorable conditions for anaerobic infection
Tetanospasmin
Reaches bloodstream, reaching peripheral nerver terminals throughout the body
Binds irreversibly to inhibitory neurons creating sustained excitatory discharge of motor neurons = rigid muscles
Muscle contractions can cause
rhabdomyolysis, hemorrhage, tendon avulsion, fracture of bones
Diagnosis is based on
Clinical signs and vaccination record
Treatment
Safe, quiet environment
Anti-toxin administration (eliminate unbound toxin)
Sedation and muscle relaxation
General support
Prognosis
75% mortality
Higher chance of survival if detected early
Broodmare vaccination
4-6 weeks pre-partum
Foal vaccination
begins at 3-4 months of age
Vaccination dosage
2-3 initial doses
annual booster
Injured horse injections
administer the anti-toxin and vaccine
different syringes and sites!
Humans that work with horses are recommended to be vaccinated every
10 years
