What is tetanus in horses?
Tetanus is a bacterial disease that commonly affects horses' mobility, immune system, and sometimes brain once they contract it. This infection is most prevalent in horses because the bacteria are commonly found in soil and fecal matter.
Many horses spend most of their lives outdoors, either in a fenced-off field or barn stable, making it possible to scratch themselves on old fencing or barn equipment accidentally.
However, contrary to popular belief, it's not the rust on these metals that causes tetanus. Rust does not cause tetanus at all.
When a horse scratches itself, the open wound is susceptible to infection by soil, feces, or other elements in the horse's environment that carry the bacteria for tetanus.
Because tetanus is common, horse owners need to understand its causes and symptoms, how it's treated, and how to prevent their horses from getting it.
What are the causes & symptoms of tetanus in horses
Tetanus is commonly contracted through contact with infected soil and animal droppings. The bacterium Clostridium Tetani in the environment causes tetanus once it enters the bloodstream. Puncture wounds on the legs and bottoms of the hooves, particularly in the soft tissue, are common infection sites of tetanus in horses.
It is important to identify tetanus in your horse. Tetanus symptoms in horses vary and can become more severe over time if left untreated.
Some common tetanus symptoms in horses include:
- Seizures
- Difficulty moving and eating
- Erect ears and tail
- Sensitivity to noise and touch
- Swelling of the eyes
- Rapidly appearing fever
- Muscle stiffness (your horse swaying or experiencing lock-jaw)
If you notice these symptoms in your horse, contact your veterinarian immediately. Your horse may have tetanus or another medical condition that requires prompt treatment.
How is tetanus diagnosed?
The diagnosis of tetanus in horses is primarily based on clinical signs and a recent wound or injury history. Veterinarians perform a thorough physical examination, looking for the characteristic symptoms of the disease. No specific laboratory tests for tetanus make the diagnosis largely clinical. In some cases, wound cultures may be taken, but they are not always conclusive.
How is tetanus in horses prevented & treated?
Tetanus is a preventable condition in horses. A vaccine is available for horses, which should be first administered at 12 weeks old, followed by annual boosters. Foals can even be protected from tetanus during the first few weeks of life if the pregnant mother is vaccinated for tetanus one month before the foal is born. Your veterinarian will minimize the horse's potential reaction to the tetanus vaccine by monitoring their condition following administration of the vaccine.
An unvaccinated horse that is wounded is at risk for tetanus and should be taken to the vet right away. Your vet will usually administer a tetanus antitoxin to reduce the risk of the horse contracting the disease. The wounds should be cleaned and disinfected as soon as possible. The injured horse should be kept far from any farm equipment, fencing, dirty stables, or other animals until they are taken to the vet to be treated for their wound.
Regarding treatment, horses must be treated as quickly as possible once wounded, especially if the cut has been exposed to potentially infected material, such as feces or soil. Tetanus can soon lead to death in horses if it is not treated promptly. If it is caught early, your veterinarian will administer the appropriate medication to kill the Clostridium Tetani bacteria in their bloodstream. This will prevent the toxin from being reproduced inside the horse.
Antibiotics, penicillin, and tetanus antitoxins are the most common treatments for tetanus in horses.
What is the prognosis for tetanus?
The prognosis for tetanus in horses depends on the severity of the symptoms and the promptness of treatment. Early intervention can improve the chances of recovery, but the mortality rate remains high, ranging from 50% to 75%. Horses that survive the initial stages of the disease may require weeks to months of recovery.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.