VMD 513: Pet animal Breeding, Management, Nutrition and Health Care (1+1)

TETANUS

• Tetanus is a highly fatal disease that affects the nervous system of all animals.
• It is caused by the neurotoxin Clostridium tetani, a bacteria found in the soil and in the intestinal tracts of animals and people.
• Wound contamination is the most common way that people and animals become afflicted with tetanus.
• Tetanus is very rare in dogs, and dogs have been shown to be quite resistant to the toxin.
• Rare cases usually affect dogs with injuries around the mouth or pups that are teething.
• Horses and people are much more sensitive to the tetanus toxin, so for these species, vaccinations are recommended.
• However, the potential risks inherent in the vaccine, such as allergic reaction, along with their normal resistance to the toxin, make this vaccine rarely given in dogs and cats.
• Clinical signs include limb stiffness and difficulty walking.
• Spasms of the facial muscles cause abnormally erect ears and retraction of the lips that resembles "risus sardonicus" seen in humans with tetanus.
• Dogs can't eat or swallow, and as a result, often develop pneumonia.
• Thorough cleaning of wounds and appropriate use of antibiotics is generally effective in allowing a dog's wound to heal.