This challenge is usually a disease that is present and introduces a foreign protein or antigen into the animal. If the horse has a high level of antibodies floating around in its blood, the antibody titer is high for that specific antibody or disease. Through good management and knowing which diseases are the most serious threat to horses, one can minimize the threat of contagious diseases. Tetanus Tetanus or lockjaw is a toxemia caused by the organism, Clostridium tetani. This organism is normally in the intestine of the horse and consequently in the manure of horses.
Infections occur as a result of contaminated wounds.
Puncture wounds are the most serious, but any wound with manure contamination such as cuts from barbed wire, punctures from nails or protrusions can cause the problem. The primary sign of tetanus is stiffness of all the muscles in the body and in advanced stages, the reflexes are increased and the animal responds excessively when frightened. Death results from asphyxiation when the diaphragm doesn't expel air from the lungs. Control of tetanus should be done by ensuring a safe environment for the horse. Eliminate all nails, metal corners, debris, and wire that could cut or puncture the horse.