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==Signalment==
==Signalment==
All domestic species of all ages may be affected but foals may be particularly susceptible due to the possibility of infection through the umbilicus. Mare may also be affected following foaling.
All domestic species of all ages may be affected but foals may be particularly susceptible due to the possibility of infection through the umbilicus. Mare with a retained placenta post-foaling may also be affected.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis is often based on history of a penetrating wound and clinical signs. Affected animals may have no history of vaccination against tetanus.
Diagnosis is often based on history of a penetrating wound and clinical signs. Affected animals may have no history of vaccination against tetanus. Severe cases may be easily diagnosed but mild cases may need differentiating from exertional rhabdomyolysis, laminitis, hypocalcaemia and heat stroke.
* Tetanic spasms of the neck, trunk, masseter and limb muscles
* Tetanic spasms of the neck, trunk, masseter and limb muscles
Cases may vary from mild signs of a short, stilted gait, to complete recumbency with spastic paralysis. Recumbency may be followed by paralysis of the respiratory muscles, leading to death due to hypoxia or aspiration pneumonia.
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==
==Treatment==
Treatment may be attempted but consideration should be given before embarking on treatment of severely affected cases, as these carry a grave prognosis (e.g. recumbency, severe muscle spasms). Horses should receive as little external stimuli as possible, ideally by keeping them in a darkened, quiet stable. Administration of acetylpromazine may provide both sedation and a reduction in muscle spasm. The use of an intravenous catheter is recommended to further reduce external stimulation.
Aims of treatment are to Wound debridement and flushing with hydrogen peroxide to reduce contamination.
2.
** Surgical removal of dead and infected tissue from the wound.
** Surgical removal of dead and infected tissue from the wound.
* Antibiotic treatment.
* Antibiotic treatment.