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Discussion on Tetanus toxoid or antitoxin in foal?
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Member:
Mike29az
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Posted on Wednesday, Jun 14, 2006 - 10:10 pm:
My mare was given her annual tetanus toxoid vaccination 1 mth prior to foaling. The foal is now 3 mths old and has a puncture wound. She has not been given any tetanus vaccination yet. Should she get the toxoid or antitoxin?
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Member:
Morg1
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 10:24 pm:
I would think that giving the foal the antitoxin would be best, because you would have to give the tetanus shot and then the booster shot several weeks later in order for the shot to be effective.
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Member:
Eoeo
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 15, 2006 - 10:59 pm:
lThe foal should have immunity from the mother getting the toxoid shot before foaling. I believe they don't recommend giving antitoxin any more because it can cause complication. They go with the toxoid shot. Dr. O will know for sure, but I believe the toxoid is the way to go for any horse. EO
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Friday, Jun 16, 2006 - 9:44 am:
As the 2 members conflicting answers indicate this is actually controversial and there is no clear answer. The problem is the risk of chronic hepatitis vs tetanus and the mechanism is detailed in the article on tetanus.
For me it would depend on the nature of the wound. If this is a poorly draining infected wound, the risk of tetanus is higher than if this has been well opened an cleaned out. In either case maternal immunity should be substantial but I would begin the primary series of tetanus toxoid (vaccine). If the former case applies, I would also give the antitoxin. Though not well studied small studies have shown that the use of both gives immediate protection and the antitoxin does not interfere with the vaccine's ability to give long term protection.
DrO
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