Generalized Tetanus in a Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) with Pododermatitis

摘要

A 2-year-old male gyrfalcon was presented for severe and generalized muscle spasticity and pododermatitis. The falcon had been treated for pododermatitis over the previous 4 months. Muscle rigidity and spasms involved the entire bird, but were more severe on the right leg. The bird was also tachypneic and hyperthermic at 45 °C. While the plantar pododermatitis lesions were healed, there was still a small abscess on the lateral aspect of the right foot. Clinical signs were consistent with tetanus. Several bacteria were isolated from the abscess including Clostridium tetani. The isolate was confirmed to be toxigenic by PCR. Attempts to detect tetanus toxin in the bird's plasma were unsuccessful.