Difference between revisions of "Tetanus - Horse"
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| Also known as: | | Also known as: | ||
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| + | ==Description== | ||
* In a pathological context, '''"tetanus" is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium [[Clostridium tetani|''Clostridium tetani'']]'''. | * In a pathological context, '''"tetanus" is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium [[Clostridium tetani|''Clostridium tetani'']]'''. | ||
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*** The disease caused by [[Clostridium tetani|''Clostridium tetani'']] is characterised by this feature. | *** The disease caused by [[Clostridium tetani|''Clostridium tetani'']] is characterised by this feature. | ||
| − | == | + | ==Signalment== |
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* [[Clostridium tetani|''Clostridium tetani'']] generally cause infection via wound contamination. | * [[Clostridium tetani|''Clostridium tetani'']] generally cause infection via wound contamination. | ||
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*** Effects on the autonomic nervous system | *** Effects on the autonomic nervous system | ||
| − | === | + | ==Diagnosis== |
| + | ===Clinical Signs=== | ||
* Diagnosis is made by taking into account the animal's: | * Diagnosis is made by taking into account the animal's: | ||
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* Very rarely a wound where the bacteria may have entered may be seen. | * Very rarely a wound where the bacteria may have entered may be seen. | ||
| − | ===Treatment | + | ===Laboratory Tests=== |
| + | ====Biochemistry==== | ||
| + | ====Other Tests==== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Treatment== | ||
* Wound debridement | * Wound debridement | ||
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** Maintaining a quiet environment with dimmed light. | ** Maintaining a quiet environment with dimmed light. | ||
* Remission take several weeks to months | * Remission take several weeks to months | ||
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| + | ==Prognosis== | ||
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| + | ==References== | ||
[[Category:To_Do_-_Clinical]] | [[Category:To_Do_-_Clinical]] | ||
[[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]] | [[Category:To_Do_-_SophieIgnarski]] | ||
Revision as of 16:00, 5 July 2010
| Also known as: | Lockjaw |
Description
- In a pathological context, "tetanus" is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani.
- Physiologically, the term "tetanus" refers to continuous sustained muscle contraction.
- The disease caused by Clostridium tetani is characterised by this feature.
- Physiologically, the term "tetanus" refers to continuous sustained muscle contraction.
Signalment
- Clostridium tetani generally cause infection via wound contamination.
- Cuts or deep puncture wounds are most commonly infected.
- Clostridium tetani produces tetanospasmin, a neurotoxin.
- Tetanospasmin inhibits the release of the neurotransmitters GABA and glycine from interneurons in the spinal cord and brain.
- Without the usual inhibitory influence of glycine and GABA, there is increased excitation of the brainstem and motor neurons.
- This leads to unopposed muscle contraction.
- The frequency of action potentials at the neuromuscular junctions increases above a threshold.
- Above this threshold, muscle fibres enter a state of tetanus.
- Muscle spasm is initially present in the muscles of the jaw.
- This is followed by a difficulty in swallowing.
- General muscle stiffness and spasms then develop in other parts of the body.
- Other effects may include:
- Seizures
- Effects on the autonomic nervous system
- This leads to unopposed muscle contraction.
Diagnosis
Clinical Signs
- Diagnosis is made by taking into account the animal's:
- History
- Clinical signs
- Very rarely a wound where the bacteria may have entered may be seen.
Laboratory Tests
Biochemistry
Other Tests
Treatment
- Wound debridement
- Surgical removal of dead and infected tissue from the wound.
- Antibiotic treatment.
- Metronidazole
- Treatment with metronidazole decreases the number of bacteria but has no effect on the bacterial toxin.
- Metronidazole is particularly active against anaerobic bacteria, and so is a good choice for use against C. tetani
- Penicillin
- Penicillin is becoming a less favoured treatment for tetanus, since there is a theoretical risk of increased spasms.
- Metronidazole
- Muscle relaxants
- Diazepam
- Midazolam
- Supportive therapy, for example:
- Administering fluids
- Providing appropriate nutrition
- Maintaining a quiet environment with dimmed light.
- Remission take several weeks to months