Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Generalised tetanus in a 2-week-old foal: use of physiotherapy to aid recovery.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Mykkänen, A K et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 2-week-old Estonian Draft foal was diagnosed with severe generalized tetanus, which is a serious condition that causes muscle stiffness and spasms, and it was unable to stand or drink. The likely cause of the infection was an issue with its umbilical cord. The foal received medical treatment that included an antitoxin to fight the tetanus, antibiotics to prevent infection, and medication to help control the muscle spasms. Along with this, a special physiotherapy program was introduced to help the foal regain strength and mobility, using techniques typically used for humans with similar conditions. Fortunately, the foal made a full recovery.
Abstract
A 2-week-old Estonian Draft foal presented with signs of severe generalised tetanus, recumbency and inability to drink. The suspected source of infection was the umbilicus. Medical treatment was administered, including tetanus antitoxin, antimicrobial therapy and phenobarbital to control tetanic spasms. In addition, an intensive physiotherapy program was carried out during the recovery period. Techniques designed for syndromes involving upper motor neuron spasticity in humans were applied. Exercises aimed at weight-bearing and mobility were executed with the help of a walking-frame. The foal made a complete recovery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of physiotherapy in the treatment of tetanus in horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22008124/