Introduction
- Cause : toxin produced by Clostridium tetani
. - Signs : generalized or localized muscle spasms.
- Diagnosis : clinical signs and history.
- Treatment : supportive.
- Prognosis : good provided animal is supported through critical period.
Diagnosis
Clinical signs
- Facial expression is virtually pathognomonic
:
- Signs most prominent in area innervated by area of spinal cord first affected by toxin.
- Respiratory distress - laryngeal spasm.
- Arryhthmias, elevated blood pressure, hyperthermia, vasoconstriction - sympathetic signs.
- Localized tetanus involves local muscle groups only - confined to one limb.
- Frown.
- Erect ear carriage.
- Third eyelid prolapse.
- Sardonic grin.
- Lockjaw.
- Hyper-responsiveness to external stimuli.
- Spastic limbs and tail .
- Eventually head may be drawn back over body and limbs rigidly extended.
Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis
- Polymyositis.
- Strychnine poisoning.
- Distemper .
- Organophosphate poisoning .
- Metaldehyde poisoning .
- Meningitis .
- Rabies .
Sequelae
Prognosis
- Good prognosis if mildly affected.
- Prognosis in severe cases is largely dependent on quality of supportive care.
Expected response to treatment
- Relaxation of muscle spasms.
Reasons for treatment failure
- Incorrect diagnosis.
- Inadequate supportive care - most animals die as a result of respiratory failure or aspiration pneumonia.
