Tetanus is a severe disease caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Equines are very susceptible to tetanus, and the disease, when it occurs, is often fatal. Even if a horse survives tetanus, the treatment necessary to save them is expensive. This is not to mention the suffering that the horse must endure.

HOW IT WORKS

Tetanus toxoid is created from the toxin of the Clostridium tetani bacterium, which has been purified, and chemically altered so it has no toxic effects, but still stimulates an immune response. When this is mixed with other vaccine components and injected into the horse's muscle, immune cells create antibodies to the toxin over a few weeks. If the toxin later gains access to the blood, then antibodies in the blood bind to the toxin and destroy it before it can produce disease.

The tetanus toxoid should not be confused with Tetanus Antitoxin, which is a dose of pre-formed antibodies to the tetanus toxin. This is given when a horse has not been vaccinated and is at risk.

Commercial tetanus toxoid vaccines are inexpensive, safe and are considered effective at preventing disease. For these reasons, annual tetanus vaccination just makes good sense. Tetanus toxoid is a core vaccine, recommended for every equine by the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). It is given annually as an intramuscular injection and is commonly combined with West Nile and Encephalitis vaccines in the same dose.

A tetanus booster is often given to horses that have suffered a wound, especially if the last tetanus immunization was over 6-12 months prior.

I frequently hear questions from horse owners about the duration of immunity (titer) following tetanus vaccination. While the titer duration is likely to be greater than 1 year, the AAEP's recommendation as of the time of this writing is still 1 year. It is important to discuss this recommendation with your vet. This way, if there is ever a doubt, you will have the confidence to know the horse has adequate protection.

There are several types and brands of this vaccine available, most of which are effective. Talk to your vet about which vaccine is most appropriate for your horse. As with all vaccines, there are advantages to having your vet vaccinate your horse. They can ensure that any vaccine is handled and administered properly, will maintain proper vaccination records and will address any complications. If your vet administers the vaccine and your horse contracts the virus, some pharmaceutical companies will pay for at least a portion of the veterinary treatment required.