foal with tetanus

Erray

Well-Known Member
Joined
30 November 2005
Messages
282
Location
Isle of Mull Scotland
www.mullponytrekking.co.uk
Any success stories? I know the chances of survival are not very high but nursed him through it for over 2 weeks now and he seems to be over the worst.
I know its rare nowadays as most horses are vaccinated but would love to hear from anyone that has had a horse recover from it and how successfully they did.
 
My old RI had a horse with tetnus - he survived and I think she used him for hacking afterwards
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He was 7 or 8 I think, but this was about 10 years ago now so my memory is a bit sketchy
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i have only ever known one case, my friends 2yr old filly came down with tetnus but sadly died as she was having convulsions. im sure if your foal is strong he will pull through.
 
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Thanks, thats good to hear. not sure with him being a foal gives him a better chance of a full recovery or not.

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Thankfully, no experience of the dreaded Tetanus in horses - although I nursed a couple of people with it nearly 40 years ago - afraid they all died (nothing to do with my nursing skills.) It's the awful muscle spasms that kill - the heart is a muscle and it just wears out.

If he's over the worst of the spasms then he has a chance. And - being young - plenty of rest will then do the rest. But I wouldn't get your hopes up, I'm afraid. Sometimes the heart will just give up - sometimes at the point you think you are winning.

Good luck - sick foals are SUCH a heartache!!
 
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