Tetanus Management in Goats: Disease Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious medical condition caused by the neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium is commonly found in soil and animal feces and can enter the body through small wounds or cuts. Once inside the body, the bacteria release a potent neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness, spasms, and potentially life-threatening complications.

Tetanus Management in Goats

Causes of Tetanus Disease

The causes of tetanus disease are mainly attributed to the neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria that are strictly anaerobic, motile, and spore-forming, giving it a “drumstick appearance.” There are ten serotypes of C. tetani based on flagellar antigens, but all produce the same neurotoxin called tetanospasmin. The spores of C. tetani are highly resistant to chemicals and boiling, making them difficult to eradicate from contaminated surfaces.

Transmission of Tetanus Disease

Tetanus disease is typically transmitted through the introduction of the spores of Clostridium tetani into the body through wounds, particularly deep puncture wounds that provide an ideal anaerobic environment for the bacteria to grow
Grazing on rough and spiky pastures can also increase the risk of tetanus by injuring the oral mucosa and facilitating the invasion of the bacteria. In addition, poor wound care and hygiene can also increase the risk of tetanus by allowing the bacteria to enter the body through open wounds.
Most outbreaks of tetanus occur following mass contamination of animals during surgical procedures, such as castration, vaccination, ear tagging, and docking. These procedures can create wounds that are ideal for the growth of C. tetani and the introduction of spores into the animal’s body.
Once the spores of C. tetani enter the body, they remain dormant in tissues and can increase and produce toxins under favorable conditions. The neurotoxin produced by C. tetani causes toxemia and the characteristic symptoms of tetanus, including muscle stiffness, spasms, and potentially life-threatening complications.

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Disease Cycle of Tetanus in Goat

The disease cycle of tetanus in goats typically begins with the introduction of Clostridium tetani spores into the animal’s body through wounds, such as cuts, puncture wounds, or surgical incisions. These wounds provide an anaerobic environment favorable for the growth of C. tetani and the production of neurotoxins.
Once inside the body, the spores of C. tetani can remain dormant for an extended period until conditions become favorable for growth and toxin production. The spores can proliferate and produce toxins in necrotic tissue, particularly in poorly oxygenated wounds.
The neurotoxin produced by C. tetani causes the characteristic symptoms of tetanus, including muscle stiffness, spasms, and potentially life-threatening complications. The toxin blocks the release of neurotransmitters that control muscle relaxation, leading to uncontrolled muscle contractions and spasms.
In goats, tetanus outbreaks are most commonly associated with surgical procedures, such as castration, vaccination, ear tagging, and docking, which can create wounds that are ideal for the growth of C. tetani. Grazing on rough and spiky pastures can also increase the risk of tetanus by injuring the oral mucosa and facilitating the invasion of the bacteria.

Symptoms of Tetanus Disease in Goat

In goats, the symptoms of tetanus disease usually appear within four days to 3 weeks after exposure to the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The initial signs of tetanus in goats include muscle stiffness, tremors, and prolapse of the third eyelid. The animal may appear restless and agitated.

As the disease progresses, the animal may experience rigidity and extension of the limbs, leading to a stiff gait and abnormal flexion of the joints. Tetany of the masseter muscles can cause drooling of saliva and regurgitation through the nostrils, leading to the characteristic symptom of lockjaw. The goat may also exhibit bloat, an inability to chew, and hyperthermia.

Other symptoms of tetanus in goats may include retracted lips, hypersensitivity to external stimuli, and a ‘saw-horse’ stance. The spasms of alimentary and urinary tract muscles can cause constipation and retention of urine. The abnormal muscular contracture can also result in opisthotonus, spine curvature, and tail bending.

Tetanus in goats is a highly fatal disease, with mortality nearing 100%, primarily due to respiratory failure. Necropsy features are usually nonspecific, except for the inflammatory reaction associated with the wound that provided the entry point for the bacterium. Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial for successfully managing tetanus in goats.

Diagnosis of Tetanus in Goat

Diagnosis of tetanus in goats can be based on clinical signs such as muscle spasms, prolapse of the third eyelid, and history of trauma or surgery.
Microscopic examination of smears prepared from necrotic tissue or wound can reveal Gram-positive rods with terminal spores, a characteristic feature of Clostridium tetani.
However, the anaerobic culture of the bacteria from necrotic tissue may only sometimes be successful.
Molecular techniques such as PCR and real-time PCR are used to detect the presence of neurotoxin genes in the organism. In addition, the mouse inoculation test can be performed to demonstrate circulating neurotoxin in the serum of affected animals.

Treatment and Control of Tetanus Disease

Treatment and control of tetanus disease in goats mainly involve wound management, antibiotic therapy, antitoxin administration, and vaccination.
Wound management is crucial in the treatment of tetanus. Infected wounds should be surgically debrided, and debris should be removed. Flushing the wound with hydrogen peroxide can create aerobic conditions that inhibit bacterial replication at the site of infection.
Antibiotics, such as high doses of penicillin, can be given both parenterally and flushed into the cleaned wound to prevent further bacterial replication and toxin production.
Affected animals must be kept in a quiet, dark environment to minimize clinical discomfort and maintain vital functions. Fluid replacement therapy, sedatives, and muscle relaxants can also help manage clinical signs.

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Preventive Measures of Tetanus Disease in Goats

Practice good sanitation measures in the goat farm to prevent contamination of wounds and minimize exposure to C. tetani spores in soil and manure.
Use aseptic techniques during surgical procedures such as castration, vaccination, ear tagging, and docking to prevent the introduction of C. tetani into wounds.
Vaccinate goats routinely with tetanus toxoid to stimulate long-term immunity and protect against the disease.
Administer booster vaccination before parturition to ensure colostral antibodies and consider giving a booster dose if a vaccinated animal sustains a deep wound.

Conclusion

Muscle stiffness, tremors, lockjaw, and respiratory failure characterize the disease. Diagnosis can be made based on clinical signs, history of trauma or surgery, and laboratory tests. Treatment includes wound management, antibiotics, antitoxin administration, and supportive care. Prevention of tetanus in goats involves good sanitation measures, aseptic surgical and management procedures, and routine vaccination. Vaccination with tetanus toxoid effectively stimulates long-term immunity and should be given routinely to goats.

Tetanus Management in Goats: Disease Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prevention

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