Generalised tetanus in a 2-week-old foal: use of physiotherapy to aid recovery.

Aust Vet J

Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.

Published: November 2011

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.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00845.xDOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

generalised tetanus
8
tetanus 2-week-old
4
2-week-old foal
4
foal physiotherapy
4
physiotherapy aid
4
aid recovery
4
recovery 2-week-old
4
2-week-old estonian
4
estonian draft
4
draft foal
4

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!