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[[Tetanus - Horse|Tetanus in Horses]]
[[Tetanus - Horse|Tetanus in Horses]]
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Tetanus in Dogs
Tetanus in Dogs
===Clinical Signs===
===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 seen in horses, dogs may present with an obvious wound and stiffness or rigidity in a single limb. The rigidity may spread to the contralateral limb and then begin to advance cranially. 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. Dogs may also display prolapse of the nictating membranes.
* Cases may vary from mild signs of a short, stilted gait, to complete recumbency with spastic paralysis. Progression of the disease may lead to involvement of the pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles leading to aspiration pneumonia. Recumbency may be followed by paralysis of the respiratory muscles, leading to death due to hypoxia or respiratory arrest.
*
==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==
==Prognosis==