Veterinarska stanica, Vol. 53 No. 6, 2022.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.46419/vs.53.6.10
Tetanus in dogs
Elena Ćakić
; Special Veterinary Practice “Doktor Vau”, Zagreb, Croatia
Zrinka Štritof
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Josipa Habuš
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Iva Šmit
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Matko Perharić
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Vladimir Stevanović
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Krešimir Martinković
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Suzana Hađina
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Tetanus is an acute, non-contagious infectious disease in dogs caused by the tetanus neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The most common paths of entry are infected puncture wounds or skin injuries. The incubation period of the disease ranges from three days to three weeks. The clinical presentation of the disease is manifested in either the localised or generalised form. In the localised form of the disease, there is visible rigidity of the limb where the injury or wound is located. The generalised form is manifested through typical clinical symptoms that initially include facial muscle spasm, and as the disease progresses, there is generalized stiffness of all extremities, intermittent tonic spasms of the respiratory musculature, and spastic paralysis. The disease is accompanied by numerous complications, and a lethal outcome is the result of respiratory or cardiac arrest. Diagnosis is based on a detailed anamnesis and typical clinical signs. Treatment of tetanus includes surgical management of the wound, neutralisation of the free neurotoxin with an antitoxin, prevention of further multiplication of bacterium C. tetani by the administration of antimicrobial medications, and supportive therapy. The process itself is long-term and the prognosis and outcome of the disease depends not only on the form and course of the disease, but also on its timely recognition and adequate treatment. Furthermore, it is important to emphasise that there is still no unique approach to the treatment of this disease in dogs. Immunoprophylaxis of tetanus in dogs is not currently enforced.
Keywords
tetanus neurotoxin; Clostridium tetani; wounds; localized and generalized form
Hrčak ID:
266295
URI
Publication date:
16.1.2022.
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