by Aina Øverland (Norway)

by Lisa Ley, Dr. Sue Chandraratne und Astrid Hübner
Translated by Patricia Pehrsson

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infectious disease that affects the nervous system. The disease is caused by the bacterium Clostridium Tetani, which typically enters the body through a wounds The symptoms of tetanus can vary widely and depend on the severity of the infection.

Tetanus is a very rare, non-contagious bacterial disease in dogs caused by Clostridium Tetani. If not treated promptly, the disease can be fatal.

Humans or horses are much more susceptible to tetanus than dogs. In comparison, a dog needs 600 times the amount of toxin produced by the bacteria to trigger clinical changes similar to those in humans. Nevertheless, dogs can still suffer from the disease, often due to simple injuries, including from nails, a piece of shattered glass, a little stick. The bacteria can enter through small wounds caused by cracked paw pads, abrasions, a torn claw, gum wounds, or a broken tooth.

Even small wounds can serve as entry point for the bacteria's spores. In some cases it is even difficult to identify the wound following onset of the disease. Clostridium Tetani is present in nearly any grounds. It also can be found in everywhere in the soil but can also be found in horse dung or manure. The bacteria are resistant.
After entering through wounds, the bacteria multiply in oxygen-poor conditions (such as wound pockets) and produce toxins that are transmitted along the nerves to the spinal cord. Tetanospasmin is the most important toxin produced by Clostridium tetani, acting directly neurotoxic (damaging the nervous system).

This leads to dramatic overstimulation of the muscles with tonic contractions and a typical facial expression (two hallmark symptoms of tetanus). The incubation period is five to nine days.
Another symptom of tetanus is increased sensitivity to light, also known as Photophobia. This symptom occurs due to the effects of the toxin on the nervous system. The toxin affects the function of nerves responsible for controlling eye muscles, resulting in heightened sensitivity to light.

Initially, it is difficult to distinguish tetanus from other infectious diseases. Symptoms are flu-like, including reduced general well-being, nervousness, sensitivity to noise, or even symptoms resembling poisoning. However, suddenly occurring muscle spasms are an initial indication of a tetanus infection.

As the disease progresses, the dog will show a stiff or unsteady gait, cramping extensor muscles, or cramps while standing. The respiratory muscles, esophagus and larynx, may also be affected by cramps, posing a risk of suffocation. Affected dogs usually require artificial nutrition through a stomach tube and infusion for an extended period of time.

Prophylaxis

Case Study Katrin Stenzel – Garonne (Gaja) vom Nilpferdhof - Malinois

Case Study 2 – Florian Knabl – Conan vom Clan der Wölfe - Malinois

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by DR. MED. VET. SUE CHANDRARATNE

Cardiomyopathy with Juvenile Mortality (CJM) is an inherited disease characterized by premature death of puppies at birth or at the latest by 6 to 8 weeks of age. The puppies initially develop normally, later non-specific clinical symptoms appear, such as vomiting, uncoordinated movements (trembling, stumbling), respiratory problems. The puppies die a few days after the first clinical signs of heart failure appear. The mutation that causes CJM is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.

by DR. MED. VET. SUE CHANDRARATNE

CNS (Central Nervous System) Atrophy and Cerebellar Ataxia (CaCa / CA4) is a neurological condition in Belgian Shepherd Dogs that manifests itself through uncoordinated movements. This disease is caused by a mutation (deletion) of the SELENOP gene.

von DR. MED. VET. SUE CHANDRARATNE
SDCA2 is a subtype of neurodegenerative disease known as spongy degeneration with a disorder of locomotor coordination (cerebellar ataxia) that affects the breed of the Belgian Shepherd dog.

von DR. MED. VET. SUE CHANDRARATNE

Spongy Degeneration with Cerebellar Ataxia (SDCA1) is a neurodegenerative disease in Belgian Shepherds.

The working lines of Belgian Shepherds in particular are affected by several lethal factors.

There are Belgian Shepherds who develop a spasm of the larynx during a heavy exercise, especially during protection work, which can lead to sudden shortness of breath. Only a few dogs show this phenomenon, most Belgian Shepherds do not have any breathing problems at similar exercises.