Changes

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Diagnosis is often based on history of a penetrating wound and clinical signs. Affected animals may have no history of vaccination against tetanus. Severe cases may be easily diagnosed but mild cases may need differentiating from exertional rhabdomyolysis, laminitis, hypocalcaemia and heat stroke.  

Diagnosis is often based on history of a penetrating wound and clinical signs. Affected animals may have no history of vaccination against tetanus. In cases in which an obvious wound is visible, demonstration of '''C. tetani''' in gram-stained smears and by anaerobic culture may be attempted. Severe cases may be easily diagnosed but mild cases may need differentiating from exertional rhabdomyolysis, laminitis, hypocalcaemia and heat stroke.  

* Protrusion of the third eyelid, particularly after mild stimulation

* Protrusion of the third eyelid, particularly after mild stimulation

* Trismus (lockjaw)

* Trismus (lockjaw)

* Nostril flaring

* Flaring of the nares

* Retracted lips

* Retracted lips

* Elevated tail head

* Elevated tail head

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

Effective prevention is obtained via vaccination with the tetanust toxoid vaccine. Brood mares may be vaccinated one to three months prior to foaling in order to maximise passive immunity to the foal.   

Effective prevention is obtained via vaccination with the tetanust toxoid vaccine. Brood mares may be vaccinated one to three months prior to foaling in order to maximise passive immunity to the foal.  Recovery from the disease does not provide protection from further infection, therefore the horse must still be vaccinated.

 

==References==

==References==