What should you know about horse tetanus?

Tetanus is caused by bacteria that can enter through a puncture, cut, bite or crush injury. Soil, dust and animal surroundings may contaminate a wound; the horse itself does not need to be ill for exposure to occur. Tetanus affects the nervous system and can cause tightening of the jaw, painful muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing problems. Symptoms may not appear immediately, so feeling well after the injury does not remove the need for a vaccination review.

Move away from further danger, wash your hands if possible, and rinse the wound under clean running water. Remove visible dirt gently without probing deeply. Cover it with a clean dressing and avoid putting unprescribed powders, oils or animal remedies into the wound. A clinician can assess depth, tissue damage, infection risk and whether you need a tetanus vaccine or other preventive treatment. Bring any record of previous tetanus doses, if available. Tetanus vaccination helps prevent disease and may need review after an injury.

Seek urgent medical care for a deep puncture, crush injury, bite, wound containing soil or foreign material, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of feeling, or trouble moving the affected area. Go to an emergency department immediately for jaw stiffness, trouble swallowing, repeated muscle spasms, breathing difficulty or rapidly worsening symptoms. Do not wait for tetanus symptoms before asking about wound care and vaccination.

Ask whether the wound needs closure, cleaning or antibiotics; whether your tetanus vaccination is up to date; and which symptoms should prompt emergency help. Tell the clinician when the injury happened, how it occurred and whether soil or manure entered the wound.