Difference between revisions of "Tetanus"

From WikiVet English
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
(16 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[Tetanus - Horse|Tetanus in Horses]]
+
Also know as: '''''Lockjaw'''''
{{unfinished}}
 
  
Tetanus in Dogs
+
<big><b>See:
 
+
:[[Tetanus - Horse|Tetanus in Horses]]
 
+
:[[Tetanus in dogs|Tetanus in Dogs]]
 
+
</b></big>
{| cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" border="1"
 
| Also known as:
 
| '''Lockjaw
 
|-
 
|}
 
 
 
 
 
==Description==
 
 
 
Tetanus is a rare disease in dogs. The disease pathophysiology is similar to that seen in the horse; the causal agent 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. 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 more mild. The localised form tetanus that develops in dogs ma be difficult to diagnose, particularly if there is no history of trauma.
 
 
 
==Signalment==
 
==Diagnosis==
 
 
 
===Clinical Signs===
 
 
 
The localised form of tetanus seen in dogs may cause differing clinical signs to those seen in other species. Unlike the generalised spastic paralysis described in horses, dogs may present with a wound to a single limb and unyielding stiffness or rigidity in the surrounding area. The rigidity may spread to the contralateral limb and then begin to advance cranially, and the disease usually becomes generalised at this stage. Dogs may often display hypersensitivity to even minimal amounts of stimulation. Affected cases have been reported to display caudal displacement of the ears, lateral canthi and commissures of the eyes. Prolapse of the nictating membranes, trismus (excess jaw tone) and retracted lips (risus sardonicus) are other reported clinical features.
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
==Treatment==
 
 
 
The approach to treatment in the dog is the same as that described for the horse. it is important however to exercise caution in the intravenous administration of equine tetanus antitoxin as this may cause anaphylaxis if used in dogs.
 
 
 
Noise and external stimuli should be kept to a minimum. The dog should be kept in a quiet, darkened kennel positioned away from other dogs.
 
 
 
In the recovery stage, physiotherapy may be of some benefit.
 
 
 
Supportive nursing care such as catheterisation and/or enemas may be required. Bedding should be thick and changed regularly in order to prevent decubital ulcer formation.
 
 
 
==Prognosis==
 
 
 
==Prevention==
 
 
 
==References==
 
 
 
 
 
* Matthews, B.R and Forbes, D.C. (1984) '''Tetanus in a Dog''' ''Canadian Veterinary Journal May; 26(5): 159–161''
 
 
 
* Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition)''' ''Merial''
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]]
 

Latest revision as of 12:08, 22 August 2011

Also know as: Lockjaw

See:

Tetanus in Horses
Tetanus in Dogs