Tetanus is a serious illness caused by Clostridium bacteria. The bacteria live in soil, saliva, dust, and manure. The bacteria can enter the body through a deep cut, like those you might get from stepping on a nail, or through a burn. Wounds can include those caused by humans when live tissues are injured and blood drawn during hoof trimming, disbudding and banding. The organism is sensitive to oxygen, so deep puncture wound are of the most concern.
Know the Signs of illness which include muscle stiffness, unsteady gait, drooping eyelids, changed voice, erect ears and tail and inability to eat or drink. The signs often get progressively worse and convulsions may occur. Death occurs from asphyxiation secondary to respiratory paralysis. Sadly, the outcome is grim for goats with tetanus. But this does not mean we should not try to help. Even if you are not sure its tetanus, treat asap..better to treat and not need it then to wait and treatment no longer be an option.
Treatment needs to be done as soon as you even suspect or question Tetanus. DO NOT DELAY.
Tetanus antitoxin We do 2 cc for small kids and 4 cc for large kids and adults however new info from Colorado Serum company states 1500 units for preventions ( one full 5 cc vile) and 3000 to 15000 units maybe needed in an active case of tetanus. There is 1500 units in a small 5 cc vile. When treating you need to give 2 shots 12 hours apart at least.
Penicillin 1 cc per 20 # Sub Q 2 times a day for 5 days
Banamine 1 cc per 100# sub Q for 3 days
Vit C 1000-3000 mg a day...you can give more if needed, they will pee out what is not needed. Daily
I have used Essential oils in the treatment of tetanus in a baby donkey.
2 drops each of Frankincense, helichrysum and oregano EO both orally and topically. And Myrrh in the topical blend.
Deep Muscle Massages..I use Lavender EO on my hands to massage tense muscles.
Tetanus antitoxin as a preventive:
Give Before you Band or disbud
Give Before cleaning a wound after an injury or attack...you want that antitoxin in the system before disturbing the wound.
hint: Have a shallow dish of cayenne pepper handy when trimming hooves, If you draw blood, press the goats hooves in the cayenne pepper to both stop bleeding but also pack the wound and prevent tetanus.
Tetanus can take 2-4 weeks before the animal is out of danger..2-4 months for full recovery. Its a long road to recovery.
Resources:
This video shows a goat in early stages of tetanus. Its not easy to watch. No one is being cruel or hard on the goat but he is obviously scared and in pain. Its an important video showing how ears and tail often are as well as lock jaw, and eye movement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sg...