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Discussion on Liver failure and tetanus antitoxin
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New Member:
Sandy
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Posted on Monday, Aug 4, 2003 - 10:52 am:
My 20 year old Quarter horse is just recovering from liver failure due to the tetanus antitoxin. He was given his annual tetanus booster in the spring. Two month later he cut himself and had to be stitched. The vet administered the antitoxin to be on the safe side. Eight weeks later we have been through the fight of our lives to save him. My question is do we now avoid all tetanus shots or just the antitoxin if he is ever cut again? Thanks for any ideas anyone may have, we love this old man and want to keep him around as long as possible. Sandy
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 5, 2003 - 6:12 pm:
Just the antitoxin should be avoided. This is a well known, though poorly understood, problem with this product, see our articles on vaccines, tetanus, and liver failure. It is called Theiler's Disease and the cause of the reaction is most likely the HORSE serum in the antitoxin and possibly a autoimmune reaction. The tetanus vaccine (toxoid) does not have horse serum and does not have any association with the problem. You are very lucky most horses do not recover Sandra.
A well vaccinated horse should not need antitoxin and the vaccine (toxoid) does not not need to be used at every cut: once a year is very protective and safe.
Would you outline the treatment for us.
DrO
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Member:
Sandy
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 12, 2003 - 10:20 am:
DrO, thank you very much for the information. The treatment I believe was the standard of giving him I.V. fluids each day (10 or more gallons) at the vets to keep him stable. We took him home each night and stayed with him watching for more symptoms and feeding him alfalfa hay. We know we were truely blessed in his recovery. My horses are kept up with their shots so I will never let an antitoxin shot be given again. You can never learn enough when it comes to horses that's why I love this site. Thanks again. Sandy
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