Yesterday my friend Marie & I were traveling back from a visit to Startlite Dressage, where we met Pam Larson's dazzling new colt - Vesuvius. I asked Marie for blog post suggestions, and vaccinating for tetanus was just one of her many great recommendations. Most of us have likely had a tetanus shot, and many probably get a tetanus shot for their horse(s), but I think it's worthwhile to include a little information for those who have not considered doing so or who have thought about it but not yet added it to their horse's health regimen.
Tetanus is the cause of the often-fatal sickness known as lockjaw. The tetanus organism is present in intestinal tracts of humans, horses and other species, and is abundant in the soil (see the American Association of Equine Practitioners website . The organism is introduced into the body via a wound or a surgical incision. If you or your horse receive a wound, and have not been vaccinated, it's an important precaution to take. If the vaccination was done more than 6 months ago, a booster is recommended at the time of the wound. The typical schedule for tetanus vaccination is an initial dose followed by a booster after 4 to 6 weeks. After that, horses should receive an annual booster.
Most horse people recognize the increased risk of injury to humans when working around horses, and the exposure to the tetanus organism that's likely to occur with wounds sustained in the barnyard or stable. For information about tetanus vaccines for humans, there is comprehensive information on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Website
Great reminder!