Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Foal with tetanus - how physiotherapy helped recovery
By Mykkänen, A K et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2011·Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Generalised tetanus in a 2-week-old foal: use of physiotherapy to aid recovery.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 2-week-old Estonian Draft foal was brought in with severe muscle stiffness, unable to stand or drink due to generalized tetanus, likely from an infection at the umbilical cord. The veterinarian treated the foal with tetanus antitoxin, antibiotics, and medication to control muscle spasms. Additionally, a special physiotherapy program was implemented to help the foal regain strength and mobility using exercises and a walking frame. Thanks to this combination of treatments, the foal made a full recovery.
People also search for: foal tetanus treatment · physiotherapy for horses · newborn foal unable to stand · tetanus in horses 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 on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22008124/