What should you know about tetanus in lambs?

Tetanus bacteria can enter through a puncture, castration or other procedure site, a bite, or a wound contaminated by soil. The toxin affects the nervous system and may cause a stiff-legged walk, raised tail, tight facial muscles, difficulty suckling, and spasms when the lamb is touched or startled.

A lamb may still appear aware while becoming unable to move or swallow normally. Other illnesses can look similar, so a veterinarian should assess the animal rather than relying on one sign or a visible wound.

Place the lamb in a quiet, sheltered space with soft bedding and minimal light and noise. Avoid repeated examinations and separate it from crowding or obstacles. Contact a veterinarian immediately, explaining its age, recent procedures, wounds, vaccination history, and when stiffness began.

Do not force milk, water, or medicine into a lamb that cannot swallow normally. Keep it warm without overheating and follow the veterinarian’s instructions for transport. Prevention and flock planning can be discussed through Tetanus Vaccination.

Arrange emergency veterinary care for a locked jaw, inability to suckle or swallow, repeated spasms, collapse, marked rigidity, or laboured breathing. A lamb with breathing difficulty should be handled as little as possible while transport advice is obtained.

Do not wait for severe spasms before calling. Procedures and small punctures can be relevant even when the skin has nearly closed, and stimulation during examination may worsen muscle contractions.

Ask whether the lamb needs admission, supportive feeding, wound treatment, medicines to reduce spasms, or toxin-directed care. Clarify how to protect other lambs, when prevention should be given, and which changes require an immediate return call.