Tetanus (Lockjaw)

Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetanii which can be found in soil and manure. This bacteria is found in just about every environment, and can survive for long periods of time. Wound contamination is generally what leads to infection; a clean wound is not as likely to result in tetanus.

Contagious: No

Deadly: Left untreated

Prevention: Vaccination

Treatment: Toxiod, Antitoxin, and around of penicillin (give owner penicillin to give to horse for a week 1 time a day)

Signs of Tetanus:
 * Muscular stiffness and spasms
 * Difficulty moving and eating
 * Tail often held straight out
 * Development of an anxious expression due to facial spasms
 * Sweating
 * In advanced cases the horse will collapse with spasms, convulsions and death from respiratory failure