Changes

==Description==

==Description==

Tetanus is a highly-fatal infectious disease caused by the neurotoxin of the gram-positive bacterium ''Clostridium tetani'', resulting in spastic paralysis of affected animals. ''Clostridium tetani'' causes infection via wound contamination and deposition of bacterial spores in tissue under anaerobic conditions. Cuts, deep puncture wounds, surgical sites may all provide sites of entry for infective spores. ''C. tetani''produces tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin that is transferred to distant sites via the vascular system. This causes inhibition of the release of GABA and glycine from interneurons in the spinal cord and brain, resulting in tetanic spasms.  

Tetanus is a highly-fatal infectious disease caused by the neurotoxin of the gram-positive bacterium ''Clostridium tetani'', resulting in spastic paralysis of affected animals. ''Clostridium tetani'' causes infection via wound contamination and deposition of bacterial spores in tissue under anaerobic conditions. Cuts, deep puncture wounds of the foot and surgical sites may all provide sites of entry for infective spores. ''C. tetani''produces tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin that is transferred to distant sites via the vascular system. This causes inhibition of the release of GABA and glycine from interneurons in the spinal cord and brain, resulting in tetanic spasms. The incubation period varies from one to four weeks.  

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

All domestic species of all ages may be affected but foals may be particularly susceptible due to the possibility of infection through the umbilicus.  

All domestic species of all ages may be affected but foals may be particularly susceptible due to the possibility of infection through the umbilicus. Mare may also be affected following foaling.  

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

* Stiff gait

* Sudden onset stiff gait