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==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
As described above, a history of trauma and unrelenting muscular spasm in a localised area is often described in cases of tetanus in dogs. An obvious wound may help to increase suspicion of tetanus, particularly if the wound is necrotic or infected. In this species, diagnosis is often based on clinical judgement rather than laboratory tests, as these may add little helpful diagnostic information. In occasional cases, ''C. tetani'' may be cultured from a wound, but this may be impossible if healing has occurred or a wound is not apparent. An important clinical feature of tetanus in dogs that may aid diagnosis in hindsight is that of resolution of muscular spasm over a long period of time (weeks or months).
As described above, a history of trauma and unrelenting muscular spasm in a localised area is often described in cases of tetanus in dogs. An obvious wound may help to increase suspicion of tetanus, particularly if the wound is necrotic or infected. In this species, diagnosis is often based on clinical judgement rather than laboratory tests, as these may add little helpful diagnostic information. In occasional cases, ''C. tetani'' may be cultured from a wound, but this may be impossible if healing has occurred or a wound is not apparent. An important clinical feature of tetanus in dogs that may aid diagnosis in hindsight is that of slow but complete resolution of muscular spasm over a lengthy period of time (weeks or months).
Other neurological diseases causing limb spasticity may need to investigated; myelography for example will assist in ruling out an extramedullary lesion. A complete blood cell count, serum biochemistry, survey radiographs of the thoracic spine and serology for protozoal diseases should also be performed in order to exclude other neurological differential diagnoses.
Other neurological diseases causing limb spasticity may need to investigated; myelography for example will assist in ruling out an extramedullary lesion. A complete blood cell count, serum biochemistry, survey radiographs of the thoracic spine and serology for protozoal diseases should also be performed in order to exclude other neurological differential diagnoses.
Electromyography may be used to help to support a presumptive diagnosis of tetanus. Abnormalities relating to a defect in glycinergic inhibition and persistent motor activity may be recorded, including the presence of "doublets" and simultaneous activity in both agonist and antagonist muscles.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The long-term prognosis for dogs with tetanus is good providing treatment and nursing care are provided.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==