Introduction

Vaccinations against tetanus and strangles are routinely given to horses. Vaccinations should be given because:

• these diseases can be severe and fatal;
• they are reasonably common;
• protection following vaccination is generally excellent provided regular boosters are given;
• the cost of the vaccination is very cheap when compared with the cost of attempted treatment and the value of the horse.

Tetanus

Tetanus is a serious disease that can affect all domestic animals.  It is caused by a neurotoxin that is released by the bacteria Clostridium tetani.

While the spore lives in the soil your horse eats from, digestive enzymes kill the bacteria, so eating the spores will not lead to tetanus. 

This bacteria is present in the horse environment as spores that persist in soil for many years.
It is an anaerobic bacteria, meaning it lives in an environment with NO oxygen - when in a low oxygen environment, such as deep wounds, the bacteria multiplies.

The tetanus spores gain entry into the horses body via a wound, usually a deep puncture such as a splinter or nail penetrating the horse or from a crushing wound... however even a small unnoticed would could be enough.

One of the toxins the bacteria produces is tetanospasim, which causes paralysis by blocking neuromuscular transmission - this blockage is irreversible and only new cell creation will lead to recovery. 

Symptoms occur 1 to 3 weeks after the initial infection. 

The first sign of the disease may be a difference in the animal’s normal resting stance, its behaviour and the way it moves. 
There is:

• muscle stiffness, especially of the muscles of the face and legs. 
• the ears become erect 
• the tail stiff, 
• the horse may be unable to eat.
• an increasing number of the body’s muscles then go into spasm, including a characteristic spasm of the third eyelid when the side of the face is slapped. 
• A very painful death occurs.

Treatment necessitates very intense nursing care and the use of sedatives and muscle relaxants, antibiotics, antitoxin and in some cases tube feeding if the animal is unable to eat. Early treatment is essential to give any hope of success, and a veterinarian should be consulted immediately tetanus is suspected.

Prevention

The vaccination program that is best for your horse can be determined through discussion with a veterinarian.

For full protection, a horse is given a course of 2 injections at a 4-week interval, and a booster injection within 12 months. A booster dose every four or five years thereafter will maintain continuous protection.  Most people vaccinate their horses every 12 months.

• Tetanus antitoxin will give immediate but short-term protection to injured foals or horses not previously vaccinated with tetanus toxoid. This protection will last at most only about 3 weeks. The tetanus toxoid and antitoxin may be administered at the same time if different injection sites are used—preferably on different sides of the body.

You can administer tetanus yourself:
It is important that the vaccine is kept properly mixed before and during use.  There may be settling after storage, but material is easily resuspended by inversion of the syringe or vial.  Before the vaccine is injected, the proposed site of inoculation on the animal's skin may be cleaned by swabbing with cotton wool soaked in a suitable antiseptic solution, such as methylated spirits.

The intramuscular route is recommended for the vaccination of horses, and the subcutaneous route should be used in dogs, cattle, sheep, goats and pigs. Ensure you buy the correct vaccination... remember - tetanus toxoid to vaccinate long term and antitoxin for short term (up to 3 weeks) vaccination.

Record keeping

A formal record of vaccinations is useful for maintaining the required intervals. It is useful information both for a stud receiving a mare and for the new owner if a horse is sold.

Get your vets advice for any health issues with your mini.