01/13/2026
Tetanus is one of the big reasons why we recommend biannual vaccines for our equine and other livestock friends!!
Did you know horses are especially sensitive to tetanus? Tetanus is caused by a toxin from the bacteria Clostridium tetani, which lives in soil and manure. It can enter your horse’s body through wounds, hoof abscesses, or even the umbilical area in foals.
What to Watch For (note this is not an exhaustive list):
• Stiffness and trouble walking
• “Sawhorse” stance (legs stiff and spread apart)
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Protruding third eyelid
• Agitation
• Trismus (lock jaw)
• Muscle spasms, especially after noise or touch
Tetanus is often fatal, but it’s almost 100% preventable with annual vaccination. Even small or unseen wounds can lead to infection, so don’t take chances! It's also important to note that the vaccine takes weeks to start working, so once a wound is present the tetanus antitoxin (TAT) is necessary. However, availability of TAT is variable, so do not rely exclusively on its use.
Protect your horse:
• Keep up with yearly tetanus shots
• Clean and monitor wounds right away
• Call your vet if your horse is injured or showing any signs of illness
If you have questions or concerns about tetanus, be sure to reach out to your equine veterinarian.
