TRATAMENTO COM IMUNOGLOBULINA ANTI-TOXINA TETÂNICA HOMÓLOGA POR VIA INTRATECAL EM TÉTANO NEONATAL EQUINO - RELATO DE CASO

Abstract

Tetanus is a severe and highly fatal infectious disease caused by the toxin of Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic spore-forming Grampositive bacterium. The disease is characterized by muscle rigidity (tetany) and can lead to death by respiratory failure or seizures. The present study reports a case of tetanus in a 6-day-old Quarter Horse foal. The animal showed apathy, lateral recumbency, umbilical thickening, protrusion of the third eyelid, seizures and hyperesthesia. Was treated with 50,000 IU/kg of potassium penicillin; with anti-tetanus toxoid immunoglobulin in a dose of 25,000 IU, 20,000 IU and 20,000 IU intravenously, intramuscular and intrathecal, respectively; with acepromazine hydrochloride (0.05 mg / kg); fluid therapy of Ringer's lactate solution and dressing for umbilical cord. After 48 hours of treatment, the animal demonstrated hyperacute symptoms and died, showing unsuccessful in treating. Possibly the infection has been caused by inadequate umbilical cord cleansing.

Keywords

• Clostridium tetani
• Omphalophlebitis
• Atlanto-occipital.