What is Tetanus in horses?

All horses are able to get tetanus if unprotected!  You and I also have to be protected against tetanus. Tetanus, or "lockjaw", is an acute, often fatal disease caused by the bacteria found in soil and droppings.  It can enter the skin through a wound of any type or a newborn’s umbilicus. The earliest symptom of tetanus is extreme sensitivity followed by muscle stiffness and rigidity, flared nostrils, prolapsed third eyelid and legs stiffly held in a sawhorse stance.  As the disease progresses, muscles in the jaw and face stiffen, preventing the animal from eating or drinking. More than 80% of affected horses die.

How do you treat equine tetanus? 

Treatment of tetanus usually consists of administration of antibiotics, tranquilizers, tetanus toxoid, and antitoxin. Persistent treatment and much nursing care is needed. Affected horses need to be protected from light and sound that can stimulate nervousness. Horses should be housed in darkened stalls and their ears are plugged with cotton. Antitoxins, antibiotics and sedatives are usually administered for several weeks.

How do you prevent tetanus? 

Prevention is easier than you may think.  Unvaccinated horses usually receives the initial tetanus antitoxin with 24 hours following injury or surgery. This provides temporary protection for 10 to 14 days. The second are the “boosters”, which should be given annually or following surgery. No horse should live its life without being immunized with tetanus toxoid which provides a very stable immunity. Annual boosters and vaccinations following injury or surgery provide good protection against tetanus. 

Which vaccines protect horses from tetanus?

There are many options when it comes to vaccinating your horses against tetanus. Some vaccines also come in a combination and will protect your horses against other threatening diseases. Some vets and clients prefer a combination as it is easier to vaccinate numerous horses in a shorter time. This method also helps caregivers keep their vaccination schedule.   

Equiloid Innovator (Fort Dodge)                                                                                   

For vaccination of healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of equine encephalomyelitis due to Eastern and Western viruses, and tetanus.

Inject one 1 mL dose intramuscularly using aseptic technique. Administer a second 1 mL dose 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose. A 1 mL booster should be given annually. Early revaccination may be advisable when horses are faced with an outbreak or with other conditions which might make heavy exposure likely. 

Fluvac Innovator 4   (Fort Dodge)               

For intramuscular vaccination of healthy horses to aid in the prevention of equine encephalomyelitis due to Eastern and Western viruses, equine influenza due to type A2 viruses, and tetanus.

Inject one 1 mL dose intramuscularly using aseptic technique. Administer a second 1 mL dose 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose. A 1 mL booster dose should be given annually. Early revaccination may be advisable when horses are faced with an outbreak or with other conditions which might make heavy exposure likely.  

Fluvac Innovator 5

For intramuscular vaccination of healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of equine encephalomyelitis due to Eastern and Western viruses, equine rhinopneumonitis due to type 1 and 4 viruses, equine influenza due to type A2 viruses, and tetanus.  

Inject one 1 mL dose intramuscularly using aseptic technique. Administer a second 1 mL dose 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose. A 1 mL booster dose should be given annually. Early revaccination may be advisable when horses are faced with an outbreak or with other conditions which might make heavy exposure likely.

Fluvac Innovator 6

For intramuscular vaccination of healthy horses as an aid in the prevention of equine encephalomyelitis due to Eastern, Western and Venezuelan viruses, equine rhinopneumonitis due to type 1 and 4 viruses, equine influenza due to type A2 viruses, and tetanus.

Inject one 1 mL dose intramuscularly using aseptic technique. Administer a second 1 mL dose 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose. A 1 mL booster dose should be given annually. Early revaccination may be advisable when horses are faced with an outbreak or with other conditions which might make heavy exposure likely.