What is tetanus?
Tetanus is a medical condition caused by a toxin. This toxin, produced by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, affects the nerves, spinal cord, and brain, leading to hyperexcitability resulting in muscle spasms.
Although tetanus can be seen in dogs and cats, it is uncommon in both species. Dogs and cats are less susceptible to the effects of tetanus toxin than humans and horses.
How do cats get tetanus?
Tetanus is typically caused by C. tetani bacteria entering a wound. Spores of C. tetani are widespread in the environment; these spores are shed in animal feces and can survive for years in dirt and dust. C. tetani does not cause any problems in an animal’s gastrointestinal tract or on the skin, but when it enters a low-oxygen environment (such as inside of a puncture wound) it can begin to rapidly reproduce and produces a toxin known as tetanospasmin. This toxin enters the surrounding nerves; from there, it can travel up the nerves to the spinal cord and the brain.
Signs of tetanus most commonly develop 5-10 days after the initial wound occurred. In some cases, however, signs may be seen as early as three days after exposure or as late as three weeks after exposure.
What are the clinical signs of tetanus?
In cats, tetanus can take two forms:
Localized tetanus is the more common form of tetanus that occurs in pets. Affected cats develop muscle rigidity (stiffness) in the limb or muscles closest to the wound. In addition to muscle rigidity, muscle tremors may also be seen. Localized tetanus can progress to generalized tetanus with time, although this does not always occur.
Generalized tetanus affects widespread areas of the body. Affected animals may walk stiffly, with the tail held up or extended out behind them. These animals may become so stiff that they are unable to bend their legs to stand; many develop what is referred to as a 'sawhorse' stance, with all four legs held in rigid extension.
The muscles of the face are often affected in generalized tetanus. Many animals develop elevated third eyelids, a wrinkled forehead due to muscle spasms, and the lips are held back in an expression termed “risus sardonicus” ( Latin for ‘sinister smile’). The jaws are often held rigidly closed, hence tetanus often being referred to as lockjaw. Affected cats may unable to swallow, leading to eating difficulties and excessive salivation.
"Affected animals may walk stiffly, with the tail held up or extended out behind them."
In some cases, tetanus may lead to muscle spasms within the throat or diaphragm (the muscle that controls breathing), making it difficult for cats to breathe. Many patients with generalized tetanus also develop a fever. This fever is typically not due to the bacterial infection, but is instead caused by the heat generated by constant muscle contraction.
How will my veterinarian diagnose tetanus?
Tetanus is typically diagnosed based on exam findings. In some cases, but not all, a wound can also be found on physical examination, further supporting the diagnosis.
There are tests available that can be used to look for the presence of tetanus toxin or C. tetani bacteria, but these tests are unreliable and not typically recommended.
Your veterinarian may perform tests to assess your cat’s health status, if tetanus is suspected. These tests may include blood tests and urinalysis (to assess your cat’s overall health and organ function), electrocardiogram (to assess heart function), and chest X-rays (to assess for the presence of secondary infections and other disorders).
How is tetanus treated?
If administered early in the course of disease, tetanus antitoxin may reduce the severity of clinical signs. The antitoxin works by binding to circulating tetanus toxin, preventing it from attaching to the nerve cells. Once the toxin has attached to the nerves, however, antitoxin will not have any benefit. Additionally, tetanus antitoxin may cause significant side effects. Your veterinarian will determine whether tetanus antitoxin is appropriate in your cat’s care.
Antibiotics are also used in the treatment of tetanus. While antibiotics have no effect on the toxin, eliminating the C. tetani bacterial infection will stop the release of further toxin. There are a variety of antibiotics that are effective against C. tetani including Penicillin G and metronidazole; your veterinarian will select the appropriate antibiotic for your cat.
"Cats show a low susceptibility to tetanus. Therefore, tetanus vaccination is not recommended."
If a wound can be identified, your veterinarian may surgically debride the wound. This procedure involves removing all dead tissue surrounding the wound, with the goal of physically removing as much of the C. tetani bacteria as possible. Rapidly decreasing the number of C. tetani bacteria releasing toxin into the wound can provide more rapid control of tetanus.
What is the prognosis for tetanus?
The prognosis depends upon the severity of the disease.
Most cats develop localized, self-limiting disease, which will respond to appropriate early treatment. Improvement is often seen within one week of treatment, though it may take 3-4 weeks for patients to fully resolve. In three reported cases of localized tetanus in cats, all 3 cats survived with treatment.
How can I prevent tetanus in my cat?
Cats show a low susceptibility to tetanus. Therefore, tetanus vaccination is not recommended.
The most effective way to prevent tetanus is to ensure that all wounds receive prompt veterinary treatment. Wounds should always be flushed thoroughly (which may aid in the mechanical removal of C. tetani spores) and treated with antibiotics (to further aid in the prevention of C. tetani infection).
If your cat develops muscle rigidity or other signs of tetanus following a wound or other injury, contact your veterinarian immediately for assessment.
