Changes

==Description==

==Description==

Tetanus is a rare disease in dogs. The disease pathophysiology is similar to that seen in the horse. The causal agent of tetanus in the dog is the neurotoxin of the gram-positive bacterium ''[[Clostridiu tetani]]''. Infection occurs due to contamination of a wound by ''C. tetani'' and replication of the bacteria in the anerobic conditions provided by damamged and necrotic tissues. Tetanospasmin (neurotoxin) produced by the bacteria is transported to distant sites via the circulation and intraaxonally along peripheral nerves. This causes inhibition of the release of GABA and glycine from interneurons in the spinal cord and brain, resulting in persistent rigidity of striated muscle.  

Tetanus is a rare disease in dogs. The disease pathophysiology is similar to that seen in the horse. The causal agent of tetanus in the dog is the neurotoxin of the gram-positive bacterium ''[[Clostridium tetani]]''. Infection occurs due to contamination of a wound by ''C. tetani'' and replication of the bacteria in the anerobic conditions provided by damamged and necrotic tissues. Tetanospasmin (neurotoxin) produced by the bacteria is transported to distant sites via the circulation and intraaxonally along peripheral nerves. This causes inhibition of the release of GABA and glycine from interneurons in the spinal cord and brain, resulting in persistent rigidity of striated muscle.  

Because of their high natural resistance to tetanospasmin (compared to the horse and man), affected dogs may have a longer incubation period and clinical signs may be mild. The localised form tetanus that develops in dogs may be difficult to diagnose, particularly if there is no history of trauma.  

Because of their high natural resistance to tetanospasmin (compared to the horse and man), affected dogs may have a longer incubation period and clinical signs may be mild. The localised form tetanus that develops in dogs may be difficult to diagnose, particularly if there is no history of trauma.