Generalised tetanus in a 2-week-old foal: use of physiotherapy to aid recovery.
A 2-week-old Estonian Draft foal presented with signs of severe generalised tetanus, recumbency and inability to drink. The suspected source of infection was the umbilicus. Medical treatment was administered, including tetanus antitoxin, antimicrobial therapy and phenobarbital to control tetanic spasms. In addition, an intensive physiotherapy program was carried out during the recovery period. Techniques designed for syndromes involving upper motor neuron spasticity in humans were applied. Exercises aimed at weight-bearing and mobility were executed with the help of a walking-frame. The foal made a complete recovery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of physiotherapy in the treatment of tetanus in horses.
Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland. anna.mykkanen@helsinki.fi
A K
AK
Mykkänen
H K
HK
Hyytiäinen
C M
CM
McGowan
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000662:veterinary*; D013742:Tetanus / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin