Tetanus in Animals — Summary of Knowledge

Abstract

Tetanus is a neurologic non-transmissible disease (often fatal) of humans and other animals with a worldwide occurrence. Clostridium tetani is the spore producing bacillus which causes the bacterial disease. In deep penetrating wounds the spores germinate and produce a toxin called tetanospasmin. The main characteristic sign of tetanus is a spastic paralysis. A diagnosis is usually based on the clinical signs because the detection in the wound and the cultivation of C. tetani is very difficult. Between animal species there is considerable variability in the susceptibility to the bacillus. The most sensitive animal species to the neurotoxin are horses. Sheep and cattle are less sensitive and tetanus in these animal species are less common. Tetanus in cats and dogs are rare and dogs are less sensitive than cats. Clinically two forms of tetanus have been recognized, i. e. localized and generalized. The available treatment is not specific because the toxin in neuronal cells cannot be accessed by antitoxin antibodies. The aim of the therapy is to: neutralise the unbound neurotoxin, inhibit C. tetani growth in the wound, and provide supportive care to mitigate the effects of the neurotoxin. The treatment is difficult with an unclear prognosis.

Successful treatment of idiopathic tetanus using metronidazole, magnesium, and acepromazine in Hanwoo (Korean indigenous cattle) yearling bull

“…Tetanus is a disease caused by the tetanus toxin, which is transmitted retrogradely through the nerves ( 20 ). Therefore, because the cranial somatic nerve is shorter than the limb somatic nerve, symptoms appear first in the neck and head, followed by hind limb spasticity ( 21 ). According to the authors' previous cases, tetanus symptoms temporarily appeared mainly in the neck and head in mild cases; however, in severe cases, clinical signs began in the neck and head and progressed very quickly to hind limb spasticity.…”

Clostridial Bovine Infections: A Review Focusing on Diseases in Brazil

“…Improperly cutting and healing navels is a potential entry point for C. tetani spores in large animals. Factors such as the presence of devitalized tissues, foreign bodies, ischemia and infection contribute to the reduction of the redox potential in the lesion, which favors the germination of spores that multiply and produce the toxins tetanolysin and tetanospasmin, the latter being responsible for the clinical characteristics of tetanus [24,25].…”

“…Tetanolysin is a hemolysin capable of causing cell lysis through the formation of pores by hydrolysis of plasma membrane phospholipids. The clinical significance of this enzyme is unknown, however, it is inhibited by plasma oxygen and cholesterol [24,25].…”

“…Differential diagnosis for poisoning by metoclopramide and neuroleptics is important; strychnine poisoning with absence of trismus and generalized hypertonia during intervals of spasms and meningitis with presence of high fever from the beginning, absence of trismus and vomiting. In addition to these, rabies is included as a differential diagnosis, in which it is possible to observe the presence of convulsions, changes in behavior, absence of trismus in addition to a history of biting, scratching or licking by animals [24,25].…”

“…Toxoid vaccination is the main form of tetanus prevention and the commercial product is available for cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, dogs and cats. The administration of a booster vaccine prior to surgical procedures, as well as the administration of anti-tetanus serum at the time or after them, is essential for the prophylaxis of the disease [24][25][26][27]…”