Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani that is found in soil and horse faeces. It enters the body by an open wound or in some cases via the intestinal tract. It has an incubation period of 7-21 days and hence owners are often not aware that their horse has received a wound, or thought it minor or of no importance and yet their horse develops tetanus.The majority of horses that contract tetanus die.
Signs
Stiffness in the head and limbs progressing to a reluctance to move, often in a ‘saw horse’ stance with the legs apart for stability
2. Spasms in the muscles of the head and neck resulting in difficulty chewing, flared nostrils and a wide-eyed expression, third eyelid spasm
3. Trembling progressing to violent, whole body spasms in response to sudden movements.
Prevention
Most influenza vaccinations also contain the tetanus vaccine combined in a single injection.
