Everything You Need To Know About Horses

Horse With Tetanus

Tetanus

Clostridium tetani is a resistant organism, found in soil that produces a potent toxin that affects the nervous system.

The chances of a horse surviving tetanus are very low but fortunately the incidence of the disease is also quite low since most horses today are protected by vaccinations. If a horse is affected, it becomes hyper-excitable to noise, stiffens up through limbs, the third eyelid partially covers the eyes, the horse has difficultly in eating and drinking and finally dies from asphyxiation as muscles of the respiratory system become affected. Treatment is rarely successful. It is definitely a veterinary emergency.

If you have bought a horse and you are unsure of its cover against tetanus, assume the cover is inadequate and commence a series of vaccinations, one every month for two months followed by an annual booster. Always consult your veterinarian first.