Alternative approach to autonomic instability of very severe tetanus: stellate ganglion block

Altıparmak, Başak; Uysal, Ali İhsan; Yaşar, Eylem; Demirbilek, Semra

doi:10.1016/j.bjane.2016.09.006

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Tetanus is an acute and fatal nervous system disorder caused by the neurotoxin Clostridium tetani , and it affects humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Although prevention is possible with vaccination, it continues to be a life-threatening problem in livestock ( Altıparmak et al, 2018 ; Ribeiro et al, 2018 ; Oliveira et al, 2020 ). The fatality rates for tetanus vary widely among regions ( Ribeiro et al, 2018 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical findings and response to treatment of 17 cases of tetanus in horses (2012 2021)

Melo

Ferreira

2022

Braz. J. Vet. Med.

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Tetanus is a distressing and often fatal disease caused by exotoxins released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani . Clostridium tetani is a commensal of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and domestic animals, and its spores are highly resistant to environmental changes, acid, and alkali and may persist in the soil for many years. The disease is characterized by generalized muscular rigidity and spasms, hyperesthesia, convulsions, respiratory arrest, and death. Horses are the most susceptible domestic animals. Treatment is typically directed towards elimination of the source of the toxin, neutralization of any unbound toxin, establishment of antitoxin immunity, control of neuromuscular derangements, and relief of pain. This study described the clinical findings and therapeutic protocols of 17 horses with tetanus, treated between March 2012 and December 2021. The diagnosis of tetanus was based on the history and clinical examination findings of the animals. All horses received a treatment pattern composed of the administration of tetanus serum (50,000 UI, intravenously, followed by three injections of the same dose at 48-h intervals), procaine penicillin (25,000 UI kg, intramuscularly, BID, for 10 days), and muscle relaxant (acepromazine 0.02–0.05 mg/kg, intramuscularly, BID, for 8 days). Support therapy based on hydroelectrolytic replacements, feeding via a nasogastric tube, and assistance in the maintenance of the quadrupedal position were performed when needed. The mortality rate observed in this report was 23.52%. Early diagnosis associated with the instituted treatment contributed the most to the animal recovery.

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