Page 501 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Most horses with tetanus will die. Once they have become recumbent, the prognosis is very

poor. Some mild cases recover over a period of weeks or months if they are diagnosed early
VetBooks.ir and treated aggressively. An improvement should be seen within two weeks. Tetanus is more
common in foals as most adult horses are vaccinated against the disease. In severe cases,

foals may die within 3 days. However, they have a better chance of survival than adult horses
because their smaller size makes them easier to nurse and manage.

Prevention

The loss of a horse from tetanus is a double tragedy because of the suffering involved and the
fact that the disease is effectively prevented by vaccination with a very safe and effective

vaccine.
• The primary vaccination course of tetanus toxoid includes 2 doses given 4–6 weeks

apart. Regular boosters are given thereafter. The exact schedule may vary slightly
according to the recommendations of different vaccine manufacturers and whether it is

combined with vaccination against equine influenza. Your vet will advise you on this.

• Vaccinated pregnant mares should have a tetanus toxoid booster 4–6 weeks prior to
foaling. This ensures the foal receives maximum protection from the antibodies in the
colostrum.

• Foals usually begin their vaccination programme between 5–6 months of age.

• Foals of unvaccinated mares or those that do not receive adequate colostrum for any
reason should be given tetanus antitoxin at birth and this should be repeated if they

sustain a wound before they are fully vaccinated.

• Horses that are unvaccinated or are of doubtful vaccination status should be given tetanus
antitoxin if they have a wound or require surgery. A vaccination programme should be

started straight away in addition to the administration of the antitoxin which provides
immediate temporary protection for approximately 10–14 days.

• A horse or foal that has recovered from tetanus is not immune to the disease; regular
vaccination is essential.

BOTULISM

Botulism is a disease characterized by neuromuscular paralysis caused by the toxins of
Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium grows in neutral to alkaline soils, decaying vegetable

matter and rotting animal carcases. It reproduces by producing spores. It is anaerobic, which