Most of us are familiar with tetanus, at least in name. Also referred to as lockjaw, this often fatal disease is characterized by extreme rigidity, muscle spasms brought on by an increased sensitivity to touch, movement or sound and respiratory distress. Horses afflicted with tetanus often adopt a “sawhorse” stance in which their legs are tightly extended.

Known to commonly enter the body through punctures or open wounds, the organism that causes tetanus produces toxins that affect the nerves and interrupt the communication between them and the muscles, creating a situation in which the muscles are continuously contracted. Good nursing is imperative for recovery, and horses undergoing treatment must receive intensive care. Medications including sedatives, antitoxin and antibiotics may be administered, especially in the early stages of the disease as these have been shown to be effective. If the wound can be identified, it should be opened and cleaned up to remove the toxins and interrupt the environment in which they are replicating. The sooner this is done, the better, as once the toxins bind to the spinal cord the prognosis worsens.

An afflicted horse should be placed in a dark, quiet stall to avoid stimulation and the spasms that result and handled as little as possible. Feed and water should be offered at a height to allow the horse to partake without lowering his head and footing should be solid to avoid injuries due to slipping. If your horse is having difficulty standing or rising, a sling may prove useful, but if the horse resists, it’s better to simply ensure he’s well bedded and turned over frequently enough to prevent bedsores. While it’s commonly assumed that a horse who has survived seven days has a good prognosis for recovery, tetanus proves fatal in 50 to 75 percent of cases regardless of what treatments are employed to help them survive. Those who do survive face a long road to recovery.

Vaccination is the best prevention against tetanus poisoning, and the vaccine is part of the core recommendation for all horses. If you are unsure whether your horse’s tetanus vaccination is current, contact us to verify his status and ensure he’s protected.