Tetanus in a canine: clinical and therapeutic aspects / Tétano em um canino: aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos

Tetanus is a serious and rare disease in small animals, of an acute nature and mediated by the action of the neurotoxin tetanospasmin, from the bacillus Clostridium tetani. This report describes a case of tetanus in a canine, with emphasis on its clinical and therapeutic aspects, in addition to its clinical recovery. A canine, female, Pitbull breed, five months old, in status epilepticus, was attended at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Passo Fundo. After stabilizing the patient, the animal was found in a trestle position, with generalized spastic paralysis, risus sardonicus, trismus, erect tail and ears, and difficulty in expanding the thorax. The presumptive diagnosis of tetanus was established based on the anamnesis, clinical signs, and laboratory findings. The established supportive treatment included hydro electrolytic replacement, antitetanus serum, antibiotic therapy, analgesia, myorelaxant and anticonvulsant drugs. The patient's intensive management was carried out with urethral and gastroesophageal probing, changes of position every two hours, and reduction of environmental stimuli. Physiotherapy and acupuncture were also used to complement the treatment and accelerate recovery. The patient was discharged one month after the beginning of the treatment, presenting satisfactory evolution. In the present case, the clinical examination in association with the characteristic clinical signs of the disease, added to the detailed anamnesis, was essential for the presumptive diagnosis of tetanus. In addition, intensive management, drug treatment, physiotherapy, and acupuncture enabled the evolution of the clinical condition to cure.

O tétano é uma doença grave e rara em pequenos animais, de caráter agudo e mediada pela ação da neurotoxina tetanospasmina, proveniente do bacilo Clostridium tetani. Neste relato descreve-se um caso de tétano em um canino, com ênfase em seus aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos, além da sua recuperação clínica. Foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Passo Fundo, um canino, fêmea, da raça Pitbull, com cinco meses, em status epilepticus. Após a estabilização da paciente, constataram-se animal em posição de cavalete, com paralisia espástica generalizada, risus sardonicus, trismo, cauda e orelhas eretas e dificuldade em expandir o tórax. O diagnóstico presuntivo de tétano foi firmado a partir da anamnese, sinais clínicos e achados laboratoriais. O tratamento suporte estabelecido incluiu reposição hidroeletrolítica, soro antitetânico, antibioticoterapia, analgesia, fármacos miorrelaxantes e anticonvulsivantes. O manejo intensivo da paciente foi realizado com sondagem uretral e nasoesofágica, trocas de decúbito a cada duas horas e diminuição de estímulos ambientais. A fisioterapia e a acupuntura também foram utilizadas para complementar o tratamento e acelerar a recuperação. A paciente recebeu alta médica um mês após o início do tratamento, apresentando evolução satisfatória. No presente caso, o exame clínico em associação aos sinais clínicos característicos da doença, acrescidos da anamnese minuciosa foram fundamentais ao diagnóstico presuntivo de tétano. Além disso, o manejo intensivo, o tratamento medicamentoso, assim como a realização de fisioterapia e acupuntura, possibilitaram a evolução do quadro clínico à cura.

Locoregional anesthesia due to tumescence in bilateral total mastectomy of goats

Background: Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland or udder, regardless of its origin, severity, or evolution. Bilateral total mastectomy is indicated in cases of chronic suppurative mastitis, gangrenous mastitis, udder neoplasm or hyperplasia. For mastectomy, the supine position is recommended and, as it is a long-term procedure, general anesthesia was chosen together with the tumescence technique with the objective of transanesthetic and postoperative analgesia. The present report aims to report the general anesthesia protocol used for 2 goats submitted to bilateral total mastectomy associated with a locoregional block by tumescence, a technique not described in the goat species. Cases: Two female goats, mixed breed, approximately 3 years old, were admitted to the Hospital Veterinário de Grandes Animais (HVGA) of the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), with a history of recurrent mastitis. There was an increase in udder volume and the presence of purulent secretion during milking. One of the animals had given birth about 20 days ago. Surgical treatment through bilateral total mastectomy was recommended for both animals, as they did not present a satisfactory response to antimicrobial therapy, excessive enlargement and functional loss of the mammary system. For the procedure, food fasting for 48 h and water fasting for 24 h was established. The anesthetic protocols used consisted of previous sedation with xylazine1 [Xilazin® - 0.05 mg/kg, IM] anesthetic induction with ketamine2 [Ketalex® - 10 mg/kg, IV] and midazolam3 [Dormire® - 0.1 mg/kg, IV]. Orotracheal intubation and connection to the anesthetic circuit were performed for maintenance through inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane4 (Forane®) and oxygen therapy. Then, in bottle of lactated ringer's solution5 [Linhamax® - 500 mL], lidocaine 2%6 without vasoconstrictor [Lidovet® - 40 mL] and adrenaline7 [Adren® - 25 mg/mL, 0.5 mL] were added, 10 mL/kg of the solution were injected into the subcutaneous tissue of the region of the mammary chains utilizing a Klein cannula after local antisepsis. After the administration of the tumescent solution, it was observed that the area involved is presented with the formation of a gel and there is minimal bleeding, compared to the conventional technique. The animals were monitored for the degree of analgesia, recording vital signs every 15 min at the end of the surgery, dipyrone9 [D-500® - 25 mg/kg, IV], morphine7 [Sulfato de Morfina® - 0.1 mg/kg, SC], and meloxicam10 [Maxican® 0.5 mg/kg, IM, 3 consecutive days] for postoperative analgesia. Additionally, tetanus serum1 [Vencosat® - 50,000 IU, single dose] and of oxytetracycline¹ [Oxitetraciclina LA® - 10 mg/kg, IM, 5 applications on alternate days)]. In the following 24 h, no signs of pain were observed on palpation of the surgical wound in the animals, but goat 1 was apathetic and inappetent, with improvement in the clinical picture only 48 h after surgery. Discussion: The choice of the surgical procedure resulted in an improvement in the clinical conditions of the animals and the anesthetic protocol using inhalation anesthesia and locoregional block (tumescence) proved to be efficient to perform in goats, contributing to transanesthetic and postoperative analgesia, being easily applied to ruminants that need surgical interventions in the region of mammary chains.

Pitiose cutânea em equino no sertão do Ceará / Skin pythiosis in horse in the backwoods of the Ceará State

A pitiose é uma infecção invasiva ulcerativa piogranulomatosa causada pelo oomiceto Pythium insidiosum, parasita de plantas aquáticas em águas estagnadas. Apesar de não serem raros os relatos de pitiose nas espécies domésticas, a espécie equina é a mais afetada. A enfermidade pode ser adquirida através da colonização de lesões traumáticas e do folículo piloso. Em casos dessa infecção, pode-se encontrar hifas recobertas por células necróticas, formando massas branco-amareladas semelhantes a corais, denominadas de kunkers. As lesões são localizadas prioritariamente nas extremidades distais dos membros e na porção ventral da parede tóraco-abdominal. O diagnóstico da pitiose está relacionado a um prognóstico reservado dependendo do grau de comprometimento anatômico que a enfermidade se encontra. Diante do exposto, este trabalho teve como objetivo relatar um caso de pitiose cutânea em um equino, fêmea da raça Mangalarga Machador. O animal apresentava lesões ulcerativas no membro torácico esquerdo e no membro pélvico esquerdo. O tratamento escolhido foi o cirúrgico e imunoterápico, com intuito de remover todo o tecido lesionado e, posteriormente, coletar material para realização do exame histopatológico. O equino foi submetido a um protocolo pós-operatório com a terapia antitetânica por via intramuscular. A antibioticoterapia sistêmica foi realizada com penicilina benzatina, anti-inflamatório esteroidal, dexametasona foi realizada uma vez ao dia, durante cinco dias. Posteriormente, optou-se pelo uso do anti-inflamatório não esteroidal maxicam uma vez ao dia, durante cinco dias. O animal recebeu quatro doses do imunoterápico PITIUM-VAC por via subcutânea, com intervalo de 14 dias entre uma e outra aplicação, apresentando uma resposta satisfatória ao tratamento.

Pythiosis is an invasive ulcerative pyogranulomatous infection caused by the Oomycete Pythium insidiosum, a parasite of aquatic plants in standing water. Although reports of pythiosis in domestic species are not uncommon, equine species are the most affected. The disease can be acquired through the colonization of traumatic lesions and hair follicles. Hyphae covered by necrotic cells, forming yellowish-white coral-like masses called "kunkers" can be found. The lesions are located primarily on the distal extremities of the limbs and on the ventral portion of the thoracoabdominal wall. The diagnosis of pythiosis is linked to a poor prognosis, depending on the degree of anatomical involvement of the disease. Thus, this work aimed to report a case of cutaneous pythiosis in a female Mangalarga Machador equine. The animal presented ulcerative lesions on the left thoracic limb and the left pelvic limb. The chosen treatment was surgery and immunotherapy to remove all the injured tissue and, later, collect the material for histopathological examination. The horse was submitted to a post-operative protocol with intramuscular anti-tetanus therapy. Systemic antibiotic therapy with benzathine penicillin, steroidal anti-inflammatory, dexamethasone was performed once a day for five days. Subsequently, it was decided to use the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory maxicam once a day for five days. The animal received four doses of the immunotherapy PITIUM-VAC subcutaneously, with an interval of 14 days between applications, presenting a satisfactory response to the treatment.

Characterization and evaluation of the enzymatic activity of tetanus toxin submitted to cobalt-60 gamma radiation

Tetanus toxin blocks the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and causes tetanus and its main form of prevention is through vaccination. The vaccine is produced by inactivation of tetanus toxin with formaldehyde, which may cause side effects. An alternative way is the use of ionizing radiation for inactivation of the toxin and also to improve the potential immunogenic response and to reduce the post-vaccination side effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the tetanus toxin structure after different doses of ionizing radiation of 60Co. Methods Irradiated and native tetanus toxin was characterized by SDS PAGE in reducing and non-reducing conditions and MALD-TOF. Enzymatic activity was measured by FRET substrate. Also, antigenic properties were assessed by ELISA and Western Blot data. Results Characterization analysis revealed gradual modification on the tetanus toxin structure according to doses increase. Also, fragmentation and possible aggregations of the protein fragments were observed in higher doses. In the analysis of peptide preservation by enzymatic digestion and mass spectrometry, there was a slight modification in the identification up to the dose of 4 kGy. At subsequent doses, peptide identification was minimal. The analysis of the enzymatic activity by fluorescence showed 35 % attenuation in the activity even at higher doses. In the antigenic evaluation, anti-tetanus toxin antibodies were detected against the irradiated toxins at the different doses, with a gradual decrease as the dose increased, but remaining at satisfactory levels. Conclusion Ionizing radiation promoted structural changes in the tetanus toxin such as fragmentation and/or aggregation and attenuation of enzymatic activity as the dose increased, but antigenic recognition of the toxin remained at good levels indicating its possible use as an immunogen. However, studies of enzymatic activity of tetanus toxin irradiated with doses above 8 kGy should be further analyzed.(AU)

Characterization and evaluation of the enzymatic activity of tetanus toxin submitted to cobalt-60 gamma radiation

Tetanus toxin blocks the release of the inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system and causes tetanus and its main form of prevention is through vaccination. The vaccine is produced by inactivation of tetanus toxin with formaldehyde, which may cause side effects. An alternative way is the use of ionizing radiation for inactivation of the toxin and also to improve the potential immunogenic response and to reduce the post-vaccination side effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the tetanus toxin structure after different doses of ionizing radiation of 60Co. Methods Irradiated and native tetanus toxin was characterized by SDS PAGE in reducing and non-reducing conditions and MALD-TOF. Enzymatic activity was measured by FRET substrate. Also, antigenic properties were assessed by ELISA and Western Blot data. Results Characterization analysis revealed gradual modification on the tetanus toxin structure according to doses increase. Also, fragmentation and possible aggregations of the protein fragments were observed in higher doses. In the analysis of peptide preservation by enzymatic digestion and mass spectrometry, there was a slight modification in the identification up to the dose of 4 kGy. At subsequent doses, peptide identification was minimal. The analysis of the enzymatic activity by fluorescence showed 35 % attenuation in the activity even at higher doses. In the antigenic evaluation, anti-tetanus toxin antibodies were detected against the irradiated toxins at the different doses, with a gradual decrease as the dose increased, but remaining at satisfactory levels. Conclusion Ionizing radiation promoted structural changes in the tetanus toxin such as fragmentation and/or aggregation and attenuation of enzymatic activity as the dose increased, but antigenic recognition of the toxin remained at good levels indicating its possible use as an immunogen. However, studies of enzymatic activity of tetanus toxin irradiated with doses above 8 kGy should be further analyzed.(AU)

Hemitireoidectomia por carcinoma em equino / Equine carcinoma hemithyroidectomy

Background: In horses, the thyroid gland is located slightly caudal to the larynx and dorsolaterally between the third and sixth tracheal ring, adjacent to the thyroid, there are four small glands called parathyroid glands. In the clinical routine of horses, thyropathies are difficult to be diagnosed, as they have a silent evolution. Thyroid neoplasia is the most common finding in horses, usually unilateral and normally present in older animals. The present study reports a case of equine thyroid carcinoma and its systemic clinical effects, which was successfully treated by means of hemitieroidectomy. Case: A 12-year-old male mixed breed horse weighing 436 kg, was admitted to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the FZEA/USP with the main complaint of volume increase in the right ventrolateral region of the neck, difficulty in swallowing, significant weight loss and weakness of the pelvic limbs. On inspection, there was an increase in volume in the topographic region of the thyroid gland and on palpation, there was a firm mass, with delimited edges, with a smooth, mobile surface, without increasing the temperature and without pain. The animal was sent for ultrasound examination, which revealed a delimited mass, with an apparent capsule around it, differentiated and disorganized cellularity with small hypoechoic points of liquid inside the structure, with no apparent vascularization inside the mass. These findings, associated with the anatomical location of the mass, were consistent with thyroid tissue. The clinical signs commonly observed in thyroid neoformations are respiratory stridor, decreased performance, difficulty in swallowing and suffocation. As there was a compromised diet and weight gain, as well as athletic performance, he chose to have a hemithyroidectomy. After surgery, histopathology of the tissue was performed and thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed. Postoperatively, the animal was medicated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and anti-tetanus serum, after 10 days the stitches were removed and the animal was discharged. Discussion: Neoplasia is the most frequent cause of progressive thyroid growth and in case of suspicion of thyroid disorders, thin needle aspiration (FNAB) is recommended and, later, histopathological examination, which is considered the gold standard for diagnosis pathologies of the thyroid gland. In the present case, no FNAB or preoperative histopathological examination was performed due to the time required to obtain the result, associated with difficulty in swallowing and significant weight loss, which required immediate removal of the mass. Considering that the ultrasound examination revealed the absence of noble structures or important vascularization very close to or adhered to the mass, its removal prior to the histopathological examination was indicated. As there was compromised feeding and weight gain, he opted for hemithyroidectomy, the recommended treatment for unilateral tumors in horses. When performing a hemithyroidectomy, it should be remembered that the parathyroid glands accompany the thyroid and are located in its posterior portion, in the pre tracheal region, with its variable final position. With this variation in topography, the identification of parathyroid glands becomes challenging and, consequently, after thyroidectomy, a portion of parathyroid glands stops operating, and this fact is marked clinically by hypocalcemia and its consequences. In this case described, in which the animal had a tumor in thyroid tissue, possibly the parathyroid functions were also altered, which probably reflected in the lameness in the pelvic limbs. It is concluded that partial hemithyroidectomy in horses is an easy procedure to perform and has favorable results in relation to prognosis and quality of life.

Tratamento de tétano em égua gestante / Tetanus treatmentin pregnant mare / Tratamiento contra el tétanos em yegua preñada

O tétano é uma doença infecciosa não contagiosa, desencadeada pela ação de neurotoxinas produzidas pela bactéria Clostridium tetani. Dentre as espécies mais suscetíveis e de maior ocorrência em estudos epidemiológicos, destacam-se os equinos. Neste estudo de caso, foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário do IFPB campus Sousa, uma fêmea equina, SRD, 8 anos de idade, no 6º mês de gestação. O animal apresentava taquipneia, taquicardia, espasticidade dos membros, protrusão da terceira pálpebra, hiperestesia, cauda em bandeira, rigidez da musculatura do abdome e discreta rigidez da musculatura cervical. Com a intervenção medicamentosa baseada no uso de soro antitetânico, antibioticoterapia com benzilpenicilina benzatina, acepromazina e fluidoterapia à base de solução de ringer com lactato, associado ao repouso em ambiente silencioso e termicamente agradável, obteve-se resultados satisfatórios nos primeiros dias do inicio do tratamento e recuperação total após o 15º dia. Além disso, ao 15°dia pós-internamento e antecedendo a alta do animal foi realizada a avaliação ultrassonográfica transretal, confirmando a viabilidade fetal.

Tetanus is a non-contagious infectious disease triggered by neurotoxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Horses are among the most susceptible species and also are frequent targets in epidemiological studies. In this case study, a mare, crossbred, 8 years old, in the sixth month of gestation, was assisted at the Veterinary Hospital at IFPB Sousa campus. The animal was presenting some clinical signs, such as tachypnea, tachycardia, limb spasticity, protrusion of the third eyelid, hyperesthesia, elevated tail, stiffness of the abdomen muscles and slight stiffness of the cervical muscles. Medicines treatment was based on the use of tetanus antitoxin, benzathine penicillin antibiotic therapy, acepromazine and lactate ringer's solution therapy, combined with a calm and thermally pleasant environment. Satisfactory results were obtained from the first days of treatment and full recovery of the animal after the 15th day of hospitalization. In addition, on the 15thday after admission at the hospital and before discharge, a transrectal ultrasound evaluation was performed, confirming fetal viability.

El tétano es uma enfermedad infecciosa desencadenada por la acción de las neurotoxinas producidas por la bacteria Clostridium tetani. Entre las especies más susceptibles y más frecuentes en estudios epidemiológicos, destacan los caballos. En este estudio de caso, fue vista en el Hospital Veterinario Campus Sousa de IFPB, una yegua preñada, SRD, de 8 años de edad, en el sexto mes degestación. El animal presentaba taquipnea, taquicardia, espasticidad, posición del caballete, protrusión del tercer párpado, hiperestesia, colade bandera, rigidez de los músculos del abdomen y leve rigidez de los músculos cervicales. Con la intervención farmacológica basada en el uso del suero antitetánico, la terapia con antibióticos benzatínicos y bencilpenicilinas, la acepromacina y la fluidoterapia basada en la solución de Ringer lactato, asociada con un descanso tranquilo y placentero térmicamente, se obtuvieron resultados satisfactorios en los primeros días de inicio del tratamiento. y recuperación completa después del día 15. Además, el día 15 después del ingreso y antes del alta del animal, se realizó una evaluación ecográfica transrectal, confirmando la viabilidad fetal.

Tratamento de tétano em égua gestante / Tetanus treatmentin pregnant mare / Tratamiento contra el tétanos em yegua preñada

O tétano é uma doença infecciosa não contagiosa, desencadeada pela ação de neurotoxinas produzidas pela bactéria Clostridium tetani. Dentre as espécies mais suscetíveis e de maior ocorrência em estudos epidemiológicos, destacam-se os equinos. Neste estudo de caso, foi atendido no Hospital Veterinário do IFPB campus Sousa, uma fêmea equina, SRD, 8 anos de idade, no 6º mês de gestação. O animal apresentava taquipneia, taquicardia, espasticidade dos membros, protrusão da terceira pálpebra, hiperestesia, cauda em bandeira, rigidez da musculatura do abdome e discreta rigidez da musculatura cervical. Com a intervenção medicamentosa baseada no uso de soro antitetânico, antibioticoterapia com benzilpenicilina benzatina, acepromazina e fluidoterapia à base de solução de ringer com lactato, associado ao repouso em ambiente silencioso e termicamente agradável, obteve-se resultados satisfatórios nos primeiros dias do inicio do tratamento e recuperação total após o 15º dia. Além disso, ao 15°dia pós-internamento e antecedendo a alta do animal foi realizada a avaliação ultrassonográfica transretal, confirmando a viabilidade fetal.(AU)

Tetanus is a non-contagious infectious disease triggered by neurotoxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Horses are among the most susceptible species and also are frequent targets in epidemiological studies. In this case study, a mare, crossbred, 8 years old, in the sixth month of gestation, was assisted at the Veterinary Hospital at IFPB Sousa campus. The animal was presenting some clinical signs, such as tachypnea, tachycardia, limb spasticity, protrusion of the third eyelid, hyperesthesia, elevated tail, stiffness of the abdomen muscles and slight stiffness of the cervical muscles. Medicines treatment was based on the use of tetanus antitoxin, benzathine penicillin antibiotic therapy, acepromazine and lactate ringer's solution therapy, combined with a calm and thermally pleasant environment. Satisfactory results were obtained from the first days of treatment and full recovery of the animal after the 15th day of hospitalization. In addition, on the 15thday after admission at the hospital and before discharge, a transrectal ultrasound evaluation was performed, confirming fetal viability.(AU)

El tétano es uma enfermedad infecciosa desencadenada por la acción de las neurotoxinas producidas por la bacteria Clostridium tetani. Entre las especies más susceptibles y más frecuentes en estudios epidemiológicos, destacan los caballos. En este estudio de caso, fue vista en el Hospital Veterinario Campus Sousa de IFPB, una yegua preñada, SRD, de 8 años de edad, en el sexto mes degestación. El animal presentaba taquipnea, taquicardia, espasticidad, posición del caballete, protrusión del tercer párpado, hiperestesia, colade bandera, rigidez de los músculos del abdomen y leve rigidez de los músculos cervicales. Con la intervención farmacológica basada en el uso del suero antitetánico, la terapia con antibióticos benzatínicos y bencilpenicilinas, la acepromacina y la fluidoterapia basada en la solución de Ringer lactato, asociada con un descanso tranquilo y placentero térmicamente, se obtuvieron resultados satisfactorios en los primeros días de inicio del tratamiento. y recuperación completa después del día 15. Además, el día 15 después del ingreso y antes del alta del animal, se realizó una evaluación ecográfica transrectal, confirmando la viabilidad fetal.(AU)

Non-specific reactions caused by vaccination in agar gel immunodiffusion for diagnosis of equine infectious anemia / Reações inespecíficas provocadas por vacinação na imunodifusão em gel de ágar para diagnósticodaanemia infecciosa equina

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is one of the most important diseases from the health and economic point of view for equidae breeding, as it does not have treatment and vaccines. The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) instituted mandatory sanitary measures that include the official diagnosis by the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test and sacrifice of seropositive animals to control this disease. Seventy-two seronegative equines, challenged with different vaccines, were used to verify the occurrence of non-specific reactions in the AGID techniques. Five serological controls were performed one week after vaccination, at seven-day intervals. The results indicated that the use of vaccines in equines in a period that precedes the performance of laboratory tests for the diagnosis of EIA does not induce seroconversion. However, 11.11% of the equines vaccinated against influenza, encephalomyelitis, equine rhinopneumonitis, and tetanus, and 15.38% of those vaccinated against leptospirosis had non-specific negative reactions to AGID. In this study, there was a non-specific line in the AGID for EIA described by Ordinance No. 84/1992 by MAPA but already mentioned in the Normative Instruction 55 of 26 November 2018.

Anemia Infecciosa Equina é uma das enfermidades mais importantes sob o ponto de vista sanitário e econômico para a equideocultura, por não possuir tratamento e vacinas. Para controle desta doença, o Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) instituiu medidas sanitárias obrigatórias em todo território nacional que incluem o diagnóstico e sacrifício dos animais soropositivos. Para verificar a ocorrência de reações inespecíficas na técnica de IDGA utilizou-se 72 equinos soronegativos, desafiados com diferentes vacinas. Uma semana após a vacinação, realizou-se cinco controles sorológicos, em intervalos de sete dias. Os resultados indicaram que o uso de vacinas em equinos em período que antecede a realização de exames laboratoriais para diagnóstico de AIE, não induz a soroconversão. Entretanto, 11,11% dos equinos vacinados contra influenza, encefalomielite, rinopneumonite equina e tétano, e 15,38% dos que foram vacinados contra leptospirose apresentaram reações negativas inespecíficas ao IDGA. Neste estudo, verificou-se uma linha inespecífica no IDGA para AIE.

Non-specific reactions caused by vaccination in agar gel immunodiffusion for diagnosis of equine infectious anemia / Reações inespecíficas provocadas por vacinação na imunodifusão em gel de ágar para diagnósticodaanemia infecciosa equina

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is one of the most important diseases from the health and economic point of view for equidae breeding, as it does not have treatment and vaccines. The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) instituted mandatory sanitary measures that include the official diagnosis by the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test and sacrifice of seropositive animals to control this disease. Seventy-two seronegative equines, challenged with different vaccines, were used to verify the occurrence of non-specific reactions in the AGID techniques. Five serological controls were performed one week after vaccination, at seven-day intervals. The results indicated that the use of vaccines in equines in a period that precedes the performance of laboratory tests for the diagnosis of EIA does not induce seroconversion. However, 11.11% of the equines vaccinated against influenza, encephalomyelitis, equine rhinopneumonitis, and tetanus, and 15.38% of those vaccinated against leptospirosis had non-specific negative reactions to AGID. In this study, there was a non-specific line in the AGID for EIA described by Ordinance No. 84/1992 by MAPA but already mentioned in the Normative Instruction 55 of 26 November 2018.(AU)

Anemia Infecciosa Equina é uma das enfermidades mais importantes sob o ponto de vista sanitário e econômico para a equideocultura, por não possuir tratamento e vacinas. Para controle desta doença, o Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA) instituiu medidas sanitárias obrigatórias em todo território nacional que incluem o diagnóstico e sacrifício dos animais soropositivos. Para verificar a ocorrência de reações inespecíficas na técnica de IDGA utilizou-se 72 equinos soronegativos, desafiados com diferentes vacinas. Uma semana após a vacinação, realizou-se cinco controles sorológicos, em intervalos de sete dias. Os resultados indicaram que o uso de vacinas em equinos em período que antecede a realização de exames laboratoriais para diagnóstico de AIE, não induz a soroconversão. Entretanto, 11,11% dos equinos vacinados contra influenza, encefalomielite, rinopneumonite equina e tétano, e 15,38% dos que foram vacinados contra leptospirose apresentaram reações negativas inespecíficas ao IDGA. Neste estudo, verificou-se uma linha inespecífica no IDGA para AIE.(AU)

Clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from the South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A forty-year survey (1978-2018) and a brief review of the literature

ABSTRACT: Clostridial diseases are important causes of livestock losses in the southern Rio Grande do Sul. Since 1978 annual surveys conducted at the Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico of the Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD-UFPel) have shown that clostridial diseases represent 10.40% of the bacterial diseases diagnosed in cattle and 1.65% of all diseases diagnosis in cattle over a 40-year period. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects of the clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from January 1978 to December 2018 at the LRD-UFPel in the hopes that it will constitute a useful guide for field veterinary practitioners and interested farmers. We assessed and review the necropsy protocols of 6,736 cattle; these necropsies were performed either by LRD-UFPel faculty or by field veterinary practitioners; 111 outbreaks (1.65%) were diagnosed as clostridial disease, distributed as follows: 35 outbreaks of tetanus, 34 of blackleg, 23 of bacillary hemoglobinuria, 11 of malignant edema (gas gangrene), and eight of botulism. Approximately 904, from a total of 42,480 cattle at risk, died in these outbreaks.

RESUMO: Clostridioses são doenças produzidas por alguma das espécies do gênero Clostridium e são importantes causas de perdas pecuárias no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisas anuais realizadas no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD-UFPel) desde 1978 demonstraram que as clostridioses representaram 11,1% das doenças bacterianas diagnosticadas em bovinos e 1,65% de todos os diagnósticos de doenças em bovinos ao longo de 40 anos. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar os aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos das clostridioses diagnosticadas de janeiro de 1978 a dezembro de 2018, pelo LRD/UFPel com a intenção de que esse trabalho possa servir de guia útil para os veterinários de campo e fazendeiros interessados. Foram avaliados e revisados os protocolos de necropsia de 6.736 bovinos; essas necropsias foram realizadas pelo pessoal do LRD/UFPel ou por veterinários de campo. Cento e quatro (1,16%) casos foram diagnosticados como clostridioses, distribuídos da seguinte forma: 35 surtos de tétano, 34 de cartbúnculo sintomático, 23 de hemoglobinúria bacilar, 11 de edema maligno (gangrena gasosa) e oito de botulismo. Aproximadamente 904, de um total de 42.480 bovinos sob-risco, morreram nesses surtos.

Botulism in cattle associated with osteophagy in the State of Acre, Brazil

Background: Botulism is a non-febrile intoxication resulting from the ingestion of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxinsmanifested by partial or complete flaccid paralysis of the musculature of locomotion, swallowing and respiration. Theobjective of this study was to report the first case of botulinum intoxication associated with osteopathy in the state of Acre,as well as to alert breeders and veterinarians to the incidence of this disease in cattle farming.Case: The present report is an outbreak of botulism in the municipality of Acrelândia, in the state of Acre, which resultedin the death of 16 Nelore beef cattle in approximately 30 days. The affected animals were females in reproductive phasemaintained under extensive breeding system. The main clinical signs presented were weakness in the pelvic limbs, prostration, recumbency and death in less than 48 h. Only one animal, with similar symptomatology, was found alive and submitted to emergency therapeutic measures, but without success. During the necropsy of this bovine, no significant changeswere found, only related to the decubitus and agony time, except for fragments of long bones visualized in the reticulum.Samples of bone particles, ruminal contents, reticulum, rumen and intestine fragments were collected for the detection ofbotulinum toxins by the mouse bioassay method, as well as brain and brain stem for differential diagnosis of rabies andbovine spongiform encephalopathy by direct immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The sampleswere sent to the Laboratory of General Bacteriology of the Biological Institute, São Paulo, Brazil, and all the analyzespresented negative results.Discussion: One of the main risk factors for the occurrence of botulinum...

Botulism in cattle associated with osteophagy in the State of Acre, Brazil

Background: Botulism is a non-febrile intoxication resulting from the ingestion of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxinsmanifested by partial or complete flaccid paralysis of the musculature of locomotion, swallowing and respiration. Theobjective of this study was to report the first case of botulinum intoxication associated with osteopathy in the state of Acre,as well as to alert breeders and veterinarians to the incidence of this disease in cattle farming.Case: The present report is an outbreak of botulism in the municipality of Acrelândia, in the state of Acre, which resultedin the death of 16 Nelore beef cattle in approximately 30 days. The affected animals were females in reproductive phasemaintained under extensive breeding system. The main clinical signs presented were weakness in the pelvic limbs, prostration, recumbency and death in less than 48 h. Only one animal, with similar symptomatology, was found alive and submitted to emergency therapeutic measures, but without success. During the necropsy of this bovine, no significant changeswere found, only related to the decubitus and agony time, except for fragments of long bones visualized in the reticulum.Samples of bone particles, ruminal contents, reticulum, rumen and intestine fragments were collected for the detection ofbotulinum toxins by the mouse bioassay method, as well as brain and brain stem for differential diagnosis of rabies andbovine spongiform encephalopathy by direct immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The sampleswere sent to the Laboratory of General Bacteriology of the Biological Institute, São Paulo, Brazil, and all the analyzespresented negative results.Discussion: One of the main risk factors for the occurrence of botulinum...(AU)

Forelimb amputation and long-term follow-Up in a female donkey

Background: Limb amputation may be a life-saving procedure for animals and minimally impact their comfort and qualityof life, as previously reported in pets. This procedure is an appropriate alternative to euthanasia when catastrophic injury toa limb prevents its successful restoration. In horses, limb amputation has been performed for the past 40 years. Althoughin the reviewed literature there are no scientific reports of limb amputation in donkeys. This paper aimed to report a successful forelimb amputation and long-term follow-up in a female donkey.Case: A 10-month-old and 95 kg female Nordestino donkey was evaluated for a wound with bone exposition on the leftforelimb. Physical examination revealed that the donkey was alert with moderate body condition score, tachycardia, tachypnea, and a medial wound revealing the necrotic aspect of the left radius. Radiographic examination presented Salter-Harristype 1 exposed radius fracture. Hematology revealed normocytic and normochromic anemia, and hyperfibrinogenemia.Due to the catastrophic injury and no forecast for building a prosthesis, the donkey underwent general anesthesia for leftforelimb amputation through the midhumerus diaphysis. A fish-mouth skin incision was performed on the midhumerus,the underlying musculature was dissected and the vessels ligated until the bone could be accessed. Then, a sterile sawwire was used to transect it, and bone edges were rounded. Muscle and fascia were harvested with the skin to provideadditional padding at the end of the stump. Postoperatively, the donkey was submitted to broad spectrum antibiotic, antiinflammatory and analgesic therapy, and tetanus prophylaxis. Preventative treatment for overload laminitis included frogsupport pads and resting leagues on all three legs. No short-term complications were observed and the donkey made a fullrecovery. Long-term complications included fistula formation on the stump, and distal interphalangeal joint...

Forelimb amputation and long-term follow-Up in a female donkey

Background: Limb amputation may be a life-saving procedure for animals and minimally impact their comfort and qualityof life, as previously reported in pets. This procedure is an appropriate alternative to euthanasia when catastrophic injury toa limb prevents its successful restoration. In horses, limb amputation has been performed for the past 40 years. Althoughin the reviewed literature there are no scientific reports of limb amputation in donkeys. This paper aimed to report a successful forelimb amputation and long-term follow-up in a female donkey.Case: A 10-month-old and 95 kg female Nordestino donkey was evaluated for a wound with bone exposition on the leftforelimb. Physical examination revealed that the donkey was alert with moderate body condition score, tachycardia, tachypnea, and a medial wound revealing the necrotic aspect of the left radius. Radiographic examination presented Salter-Harristype 1 exposed radius fracture. Hematology revealed normocytic and normochromic anemia, and hyperfibrinogenemia.Due to the catastrophic injury and no forecast for building a prosthesis, the donkey underwent general anesthesia for leftforelimb amputation through the midhumerus diaphysis. A fish-mouth skin incision was performed on the midhumerus,the underlying musculature was dissected and the vessels ligated until the bone could be accessed. Then, a sterile sawwire was used to transect it, and bone edges were rounded. Muscle and fascia were harvested with the skin to provideadditional padding at the end of the stump. Postoperatively, the donkey was submitted to broad spectrum antibiotic, antiinflammatory and analgesic therapy, and tetanus prophylaxis. Preventative treatment for overload laminitis included frogsupport pads and resting leagues on all three legs. No short-term complications were observed and the donkey made a fullrecovery. Long-term complications included fistula formation on the stump, and distal interphalangeal joint...(AU)

Clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from the South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A forty-year survey (1978-2018) and a brief review of the literature / Clostridioses diagnosticadas em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Uma pesquisa de quarenta anos (1978-2018) e breve revisão da literatura

Clostridial diseases are important causes of livestock losses in the southern Rio Grande do Sul. Since 1978 annual surveys conducted at the "Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico" of the "Universidade Federal de Pelotas" (LRD-UFPel) have shown that clostridial diseases represent 10.40% of the bacterial diseases diagnosed in cattle and 1.65% of all diseases diagnosis in cattle over a 40-year period. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects of the clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from January 1978 to December 2018 at the LRD-UFPel in the hopes that it will constitute a useful guide for field veterinary practitioners and interested farmers. We assessed and review the necropsy protocols of 6,736 cattle; these necropsies were performed either by LRD-UFPel faculty or by field veterinary practitioners; 111 outbreaks (1.65%) were diagnosed as clostridial disease, distributed as follows: 35 outbreaks of tetanus, 34 of blackleg, 23 of bacillary hemoglobinuria, 11 of malignant edema (gas gangrene), and eight of botulism. Approximately 904, from a total of 42,480 cattle at risk, died in these outbreaks.(AU)

Clostridioses são doenças produzidas por alguma das espécies do gênero Clostridium e são importantes causas de perdas pecuárias no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisas anuais realizadas no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD-UFPel) desde 1978 demonstraram que as clostridioses representaram 11,1% das doenças bacterianas diagnosticadas em bovinos e 1,65% de todos os diagnósticos de doenças em bovinos ao longo de 40 anos. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar os aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos das clostridioses diagnosticadas de janeiro de 1978 a dezembro de 2018, pelo LRD/UFPel com a intenção de que esse trabalho possa servir de guia útil para os veterinários de campo e fazendeiros interessados. Foram avaliados e revisados os protocolos de necropsia de 6.736 bovinos; essas necropsias foram realizadas pelo pessoal do LRD/UFPel ou por veterinários de campo. Cento e quatro (1,16%) casos foram diagnosticados como clostridioses, distribuídos da seguinte forma: 35 surtos de tétano, 34 de carbúnculo sintomático, 23 de hemoglobinúria bacilar, 11 de edema maligno (gangrena gasosa) e oito de botulismo. Aproximadamente 904, de um total de 42.480 bovinos sob-risco, morreram nesses surtos.(AU)

Clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from the South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A forty-year survey (1978-2018) and a brief review of the literature / Clostridioses diagnosticadas em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Uma pesquisa de quarenta anos (1978-2018) e breve revisão da literatura

Clostridial diseases are important causes of livestock losses in the southern Rio Grande do Sul. Since 1978 annual surveys conducted at the "Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico" of the "Universidade Federal de Pelotas" (LRD-UFPel) have shown that clostridial diseases represent 10.40% of the bacterial diseases diagnosed in cattle and 1.65% of all diseases diagnosis in cattle over a 40-year period. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical, epidemiological and pathological aspects of the clostridial diseases diagnosed in cattle from January 1978 to December 2018 at the LRD-UFPel in the hopes that it will constitute a useful guide for field veterinary practitioners and interested farmers. We assessed and review the necropsy protocols of 6,736 cattle; these necropsies were performed either by LRD-UFPel faculty or by field veterinary practitioners; 111 outbreaks (1.65%) were diagnosed as clostridial disease, distributed as follows: 35 outbreaks of tetanus, 34 of blackleg, 23 of bacillary hemoglobinuria, 11 of malignant edema (gas gangrene), and eight of botulism. Approximately 904, from a total of 42,480 cattle at risk, died in these outbreaks.(AU)

Clostridioses são doenças produzidas por alguma das espécies do gênero Clostridium e são importantes causas de perdas pecuárias no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisas anuais realizadas no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD-UFPel) desde 1978 demonstraram que as clostridioses representaram 11,1% das doenças bacterianas diagnosticadas em bovinos e 1,65% de todos os diagnósticos de doenças em bovinos ao longo de 40 anos. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar os aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e patológicos das clostridioses diagnosticadas de janeiro de 1978 a dezembro de 2018, pelo LRD/UFPel com a intenção de que esse trabalho possa servir de guia útil para os veterinários de campo e fazendeiros interessados. Foram avaliados e revisados os protocolos de necropsia de 6.736 bovinos; essas necropsias foram realizadas pelo pessoal do LRD/UFPel ou por veterinários de campo. Cento e quatro (1,16%) casos foram diagnosticados como clostridioses, distribuídos da seguinte forma: 35 surtos de tétano, 34 de carbúnculo sintomático, 23 de hemoglobinúria bacilar, 11 de edema maligno (gangrena gasosa) e oito de botulismo. Aproximadamente 904, de um total de 42.480 bovinos sob-risco, morreram nesses surtos.(AU)

Tetanus in horses: an overview of 70 cases / Tétano em equinos: um panorama de 70 casos

Tetanus is characterized by high case fatality rates in horses. Comprehensive case series studies involving equine tetanus from different geographic areas enable the evaluation of prognosis, efficacy of treatment, and control measures. We retrospectively investigated some selected epidemiological data (breed, age, gender, use of the horses, history of vaccination, seasonality, presence of wound/history of surgical procedures, clinical outcomes) and main clinical aspects (clinical signs, incubation period, length of hospitalization, and period between onset signs and hospitalization) in 70 cases of equine tetanus over 1990-2015, with emphasis in the association between these data and the clinical outcomes. High mortality rate (72.9%) was observed in this study. Forty (57.1%) horses presented history of wounds or surgical procedures related with tetanus, represented mainly by lesions in the hind limbs (42.5%), front limbs (15.0%), umbilical infections (7.1%), castration (4.3%), and face wounds (4.3%). Hyperesthesia, limb spasticity, cervical stiffness, tetanic spasms, and restriction of jaw movement were the main consistent clinical signs. Besides no statistical association, all the horses with umbilical infections, wounds in face, prolonged recumbency, sweating, dysphagia/aphagia died, and together with delay between onset of first clinical signs and prompt veterinary assistance (< 5 days) were considered indicative of poor prognosis; whereas there was a significant association (p=0.001) between survival and length of hospitalization > 7 days, seemed as an evidence of good prognosis. The high mortality rate of tetanus, even in horses under specific treatment, highlight the need for early diagnosis, prompt veterinary assistance, and establishment of prophylatic measures in equine farms.(AU)

Tétano é caracterizado por elevada mortalidade em equinos. Estudos envolvendo séries de casos da doença provenientes de diferentes áreas geográficas possibilitam avaliar o prognóstico, eficácia do tratamento e ações de controle. Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, os principais achados epidemiológicos (raça, idade, sexo, uso dos equinos, história de vacinação, sazonalidade, presença de lesões/histórico de procedimentos cirúrgicos e evolução dos casos) e aspectos clínicos (sinais clínicos, período de incubação, tempo de hospitalização e período entre início dos sinais e hospitalização) em 70 casos de tétano em equinos atendidos entre 1990 e 2015, com ênfase na associação entre os dados clínico-epidemiológicos e a evolução dos casos (mortalidade). Foi observada alta mortalidade (72,9%) nos equinos. Do total de equinos, 57,1% apresentavam lesões ou histórico de procedimentos cirúrgicos relacionados com tétano, representados principalmente por lesões em membros posteriores (42,5%), membros anteriores (15,0%), infecções umbilicais (7,1%), castração (4,3%) e lesões de face (4,3%). Hiperestesia, espasticidade dos membros, rigidez de pescoço, espasmos tetânicos e restrição aos movimentos de mandíbula foram os principais sinais clínicos observados. Apesar da ausência de significância estatística, todos os animais com presença de infecções umbilicais, lesões na face, decúbito prolongado, sudorese e disfagia/afagia evoluíram para óbito e, associado ao início dos sinais clínicos e a demora no atendimento (< 5 dias), foram considerados indicativos de prognóstico reservado. Em contraste, foi observada associação significante (p=0,001) entre a sobrevivência dos animais e o tempo de hospitalização maior que 7 dias, considerado uma indicação de bom prognóstico. A elevada mortalidade do tétano, mesmo em equinos tratados, enfatiza a necessidade do diagnóstico precoce, do rápido atendimento veterinário e adoção de medidas profiláticas nos criatórios.(AU)

Tetanus in horses: an overview of 70 cases / Tétano em equinos: um panorama de 70 casos

Tetanus is characterized by high case fatality rates in horses. Comprehensive case series studies involving equine tetanus from different geographic areas enable the evaluation of prognosis, efficacy of treatment, and control measures. We retrospectively investigated some selected epidemiological data (breed, age, gender, use of the horses, history of vaccination, seasonality, presence of wound/history of surgical procedures, clinical outcomes) and main clinical aspects (clinical signs, incubation period, length of hospitalization, and period between onset signs and hospitalization) in 70 cases of equine tetanus over 1990-2015, with emphasis in the association between these data and the clinical outcomes. High mortality rate (72.9%) was observed in this study. Forty (57.1%) horses presented history of wounds or surgical procedures related with tetanus, represented mainly by lesions in the hind limbs (42.5%), front limbs (15.0%), umbilical infections (7.1%), castration (4.3%), and face wounds (4.3%). Hyperesthesia, limb spasticity, cervical stiffness, tetanic spasms, and restriction of jaw movement were the main consistent clinical signs. Besides no statistical association, all the horses with umbilical infections, wounds in face, prolonged recumbency, sweating, dysphagia/aphagia died, and together with delay between onset of first clinical signs and prompt veterinary assistance (< 5 days) were considered indicative of poor prognosis; whereas there was a significant association (p=0.001) between survival and length of hospitalization > 7 days, seemed as an evidence of good prognosis. The high mortality rate of tetanus, even in horses under specific treatment, highlight the need for early diagnosis, prompt veterinary assistance, and establishment of prophylatic measures in equine farms.(AU)

Tétano é caracterizado por elevada mortalidade em equinos. Estudos envolvendo séries de casos da doença provenientes de diferentes áreas geográficas possibilitam avaliar o prognóstico, eficácia do tratamento e ações de controle. Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, os principais achados epidemiológicos (raça, idade, sexo, uso dos equinos, história de vacinação, sazonalidade, presença de lesões/histórico de procedimentos cirúrgicos e evolução dos casos) e aspectos clínicos (sinais clínicos, período de incubação, tempo de hospitalização e período entre início dos sinais e hospitalização) em 70 casos de tétano em equinos atendidos entre 1990 e 2015, com ênfase na associação entre os dados clínico-epidemiológicos e a evolução dos casos (mortalidade). Foi observada alta mortalidade (72,9%) nos equinos. Do total de equinos, 57,1% apresentavam lesões ou histórico de procedimentos cirúrgicos relacionados com tétano, representados principalmente por lesões em membros posteriores (42,5%), membros anteriores (15,0%), infecções umbilicais (7,1%), castração (4,3%) e lesões de face (4,3%). Hiperestesia, espasticidade dos membros, rigidez de pescoço, espasmos tetânicos e restrição aos movimentos de mandíbula foram os principais sinais clínicos observados. Apesar da ausência de significância estatística, todos os animais com presença de infecções umbilicais, lesões na face, decúbito prolongado, sudorese e disfagia/afagia evoluíram para óbito e, associado ao início dos sinais clínicos e a demora no atendimento (< 5 dias), foram considerados indicativos de prognóstico reservado. Em contraste, foi observada associação significante (p=0,001) entre a sobrevivência dos animais e o tempo de hospitalização maior que 7 dias, considerado uma indicação de bom prognóstico. A elevada mortalidade do tétano, mesmo em equinos tratados, enfatiza a necessidade do diagnóstico precoce, do rápido atendimento veterinário e adoção de medidas profiláticas nos criatórios.(AU)

Tetanus in horses: an overview of 70 cases

ABSTRACT: Tetanus is characterized by high case fatality rates in horses. Comprehensive case series studies involving equine tetanus from different geographic areas enable the evaluation of prognosis, efficacy of treatment, and control measures. We retrospectively investigated some selected epidemiological data (breed, age, gender, use of the horses, history of vaccination, seasonality, presence of wound/history of surgical procedures, clinical outcomes) and main clinical aspects (clinical signs, incubation period, length of hospitalization, and period between onset signs and hospitalization) in 70 cases of equine tetanus over 1990-2015, with emphasis in the association between these data and the clinical outcomes. High mortality rate (72.9%) was observed in this study. Forty (57.1%) horses presented history of wounds or surgical procedures related with tetanus, represented mainly by lesions in the hind limbs (42.5%), front limbs (15.0%), umbilical infections (7.1%), castration (4.3%), and face wounds (4.3%). Hyperesthesia, limb spasticity, cervical stiffness, tetanic spasms, and restriction of jaw movement were the main consistent clinical signs. Besides no statistical association, all the horses with umbilical infections, wounds in face, prolonged recumbency, sweating, dysphagia/aphagia died, and together with delay between onset of first clinical signs and prompt veterinary assistance ( 5 days) were considered indicative of poor prognosis; whereas there was a significant association (p=0.001) between survival and length of hospitalization > 7 days, seemed as an evidence of good prognosis. The high mortality rate of tetanus, even in horses under specific treatment, highlight the need for early diagnosis, prompt veterinary assistance, and establishment of prophylatic measures in equine farms.

RESUMO: Tétano é caracterizado por elevada mortalidade em equinos. Estudos envolvendo séries de casos da doença provenientes de diferentes áreas geográficas possibilitam avaliar o prognóstico, eficácia do tratamento e ações de controle. Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, os principais achados epidemiológicos (raça, idade, sexo, uso dos equinos, história de vacinação, sazonalidade, presença de lesões/histórico de procedimentos cirúrgicos e evolução dos casos) e aspectos clínicos (sinais clínicos, período de incubação, tempo de hospitalização e período entre início dos sinais e hospitalização) em 70 casos de tétano em equinos atendidos entre 1990 e 2015, com ênfase na associação entre os dados clínico-epidemiológicos e a evolução dos casos (mortalidade). Foi observada alta mortalidade (72,9%) nos equinos. Do total de equinos, 57,1% apresentavam lesões ou histórico de procedimentos cirúrgicos relacionados com tétano, representados principalmente por lesões em membros posteriores (42,5%), membros anteriores (15,0%), infecções umbilicais (7,1%), castração (4,3%) e lesões de face (4,3%). Hiperestesia, espasticidade dos membros, rigidez de pescoço, espasmos tetânicos e restrição aos movimentos de mandíbula foram os principais sinais clínicos observados. Apesar da ausência de significância estatística, todos os animais com presença de infecções umbilicais, lesões na face, decúbito prolongado, sudorese e disfagia/afagia evoluíram para óbito e, associado ao início dos sinais clínicos e a demora no atendimento ( 5 dias), foram considerados indicativos de prognóstico reservado. Em contraste, foi observada associação significante (p=0,001) entre a sobrevivência dos animais e o tempo de hospitalização maior que 7 dias, considerado uma indicação de bom prognóstico. A elevada mortalidade do tétano, mesmo em equinos tratados, enfatiza a necessidade do diagnóstico precoce, do rápido atendimento veterinário e adoção de medidas profiláticas nos criatórios.