AN UNUSUAL CASE OF TETANUS IN A NON DESCRIPT GOAT AND ITS THERAPY

摘要

A two year old non-descript goat was presented to the Ambulatory Clinic, Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Dept. of Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranager with the history of not taking feed and water with rigidity of hindlimbs and jaws since night. Clinical observation revealed that the goat was lateral recumbent, unable to stand on its own with hind limbs stiff and extended backwards and stiff erected tail (Fig. - 1). The mouth was tightly closed with rigid jaw musclesand restricted movements. A wound was noticed on the left lumbar region. The temperature (103 deg F) and pulse (72/min.) were within the normal range with slightly lowered (15/min.) and laboured respiration, congested conjunctival mucous membrane and partial prolapse of third eyelid. Suspended ruminal motility and distended abdomen with gas were observed. Our attempts to keep the goat in standing position also failed, as the animal was unable to balance itself on extended stiff limbs. Exaggerated response to the normal external stimuli, erect ears, tetanic convulsions followed by opisthotonus were also noticed on sudden tapping the face and clapping infront of the animal. Based on the history, clinical symptoms and observations the disease was diagnosed tentatively as tetanus.