Tetanus in Equids: A Review of 76 Cases

Data on the clinical examination and treatment of 76 tetanus cases in equids was reviewed, aiming to verify factors that may assist veterinarians in establishing a prognosis for this disease. Overall mortality was 76.3%. Treatment was provided to 61 animals. Of those, 18 (29.5%) survived. Data analysis led to identification of the following indicators for fair to good prognosis: greater than 5 days' timespan between onset of signs of the disease and initial assistance (7 of 13 animals survived, 53.9%) and greater than 7 days of hospitalization (all of 17 animals survived, 100%). Conversely, indicators of poor prognosis included presence of dysphagia or aphagia at first examination (52 of 60 animals died, 86.7%), decubitus (all of 20 animals died, 100%), and hoof sole perforating lesions by nails (all of 8 animals died, 100%). Based on the high mortality rate of this disease, the importance of prophylaxis is reinforced.