Tetanus in Horses

Tetanus is a nervous system disease that a horse usually contracts through an infected puncture wound. The most common symptom is stiffness and lockjaw, as well as fever. Tetanus is diagnosed through a physical examination and sometimes a blood test to identify the presence of the Clostridium tetani toxin. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and antitoxins, but the prognosis is generally poor. Tetanus is best prevented through regular vaccination and maintaining a clean and safe stall for your horse.

What Is Tetanus?

Tetanus is a potentially fatal nervous system disease caused by the bacteria toxin Clostridium tetani. Tetanus is commonly known as lockjaw and leads to muscle spasms, particularly in the jaw and neck. The toxin multiplies rapidly and does not need oxygen to live. The toxin can survive for a long time and usually enters the body through a puncture wound, but can also be ingested. Horses are particularly susceptible to tetanus and will often procure wounds on the sole of the foot.

Symptoms of Tetanus in Horses

It may take ten days to two weeks for symptoms of tetanus to appear. Once you notice symptoms, visit your veterinarian immediately.
Symptoms

• Stiffness
• Inability to open mouth
• Flared nostrils
• Fever
• Sunken third eyelid
• Sawhorse stance

The most common symptom of a tetanus infection is stiffness in the head and neck, but the hindquarters and wound site may be affected first. The stiffness will spread to the jaw, making it difficult or impossible for a horse to open its mouth. The nostrils may be flared as well. As tetanus progresses, violent spasms will become more intense and easily triggered and your horse will become increasingly agitated. As the days go on, the horse will become stiffer, taking on a ‘“sawhorse” stance with its head and tail arched downward. Fever will then develop, accompanied by sweating, increased pulse, heightened respiration rate, and congestion.

Causes of Tetanus

Horses can contract tetanus in two ways.

• Puncture wounds: Tetanus-causing bacteria lives in soil, dust, and manure and typically enter the body through an open wound. This often happens through wounds in the foot, when a horse steps on a sharp object, and then on soil containing the bacteria. Once the bacteria enter the wound, it multiplies and blocks nerve messages, causing the muscles to tense up.