Canis ISSN: 2398-2942
Tetanus
Contributor(s): Stephen Barr, Bryn Tennant
Introduction
- Cause: toxin produced byClostridium tetani Clostridium tetani.
- Signs: generalized or localized muscle spasms.
- Diagnosis: clinical signs and history.
- Treatment: supportive.
- Prognosis: good provided animal is supported through critical period.
Pathogenesis
Etiology
- Toxin produced byClostridium tetani.
Pathophysiology
- Bacteria enters body → toxin production → enters motor nerves → extensor rigidity of all muscles.
- Dogs are relatively resistant to effects of toxin (as compared to man and horses).
- Clostridium tetanienters body usually via penetrating wound.
- Three different toxins produced:
- Tetanospasmin: enters motor nerves and travels in a retrograde fashion to spinal cord along nerve axons.
- Reduced inhibiton of motor nerve function → muscle extensor rigidity.
- Hemolysin: promotes anaerobic conditions for multiplication ofClostridium tetaniby causing local tissue necrosis.
- Nonspasmogen: has poorly defined role.
Timecourse
- Signs within 1 week of bacterial infection of wound.
- Occasionally signs delayed up to 3 weeks.
- Recovery usually over weeks to months.
Diagnosis
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Adamantos S & Boag A (2007) Thirteen cases of tetanus in dogs. Vet Rec 161 (9), 298-302 PubMed.