Even the smallest cut can open the door to tetanus, so it’s important your horse is protected.
We recommend that all horses are vaccinated against tetanus, as every horse is at risk of being exposed to the tetanus bacteria in their environment.
Horses initially require two doses of the tetanus toxoid, given 4-6 weeks apart, to be considered vaccinated. Booster vaccinations then range from annually to every five years, depending on your horse's individual situation.
A vaccination programme provides your horse with the best protection against contracting tetanus.
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, found in soil and manure. It enters the body through wounds, foot abscesses, surgical or castration sites, or via the umbilical cord of newborn foals.
Tetanus can cause the following clinical signs:
Stiffness and difficulty moving
Prolapsed third eyelid
Raised tail and ‘sawhorse’ stance
Difficulty eating or drinking
Muscle spasms
Respiratory failure
Death
Tetanus is very difficult to treat once clinical signs become obvious. Did you know horses are one of the species most susceptible to tetanus?
Vaccination vs. TAT
We’re often asked about the difference between the two main options for tetanus prophylaxis. There are two products we use to protect horses again tetanus infection, and they work in quite different ways:
Tetanus Toxoid
Stimulates the horses’s own immune system to produce protective antibodies.
When given as recommended in series, it offers strong, long-lasting protection against tetanus.
Tetanus Anti-toxin (TAT)
A short-acting anti-toxin given at the time of an injury, surgery, or castration to provide immediate protection.
Used if the horse is unvaccinated or if vaccination status is unknown.
Only provides protection for up to two weeks.
A vaccinated horse will haven far superior protection against contracting tetanus than one that only receives a TAT. Prevention is always better than a cure.
Call us at VetSouth Invercargill to discuss a vaccination plan tailored for your horses and to hear about the vaccination discounts that we have available in August and September.
