It appears anxious, with erect ears, rigid stance with stiff tail and is easily excited when handled or by sudden movements. As the disease progresses, muscular spasms develop which increase until they occur spontaneously. The horse has difficulty in walking and is inclined to fall. Death usually occurs from five to 10 days after appearance of signs. After signs have developed, intensive veterinary treatment is usually necessary to give the horse any chance of recovery.
Recovery rates are low, so prevention is important.
Active immunisation protects breeding mares and also their offspring through colostrum. Horses often have barbed wire cuts, or stake and puncture wounds. If the horse is unvaccinated, immediate protection is required. However, spores may take up to six months to germinate and so unless the TAT is repeated every two weeks, the protection is incomplete. Long-term approach Vaccination with tetanus toxoid may be carried out at any age.