The disease which bears this name is manifested by constant spasms and rigidity of the muscular system.

It is divided into idiopathic, when caused by cold, fatigue, and exposure, or by the irritation of an internal organ; and symptomatic, when caused by injuries or wounds, especially of the feet. In many cases no satisfactory cause can be assigned. An irritated state of the stomach or bowels strongly predisposes to tetanus; external injuries or cold being the most common excitants. It is probable that these two classes of factors act concurrently in producing the disease.

It is a rare disease in the dog, and, moreover, a very fatal one.

Symptoms

Tetanus may be either partial or general; in the former case, limited to certain muscles, generally those of the jaw, and then the disease is called "lock-jaw;" in the latter case, involving all the voluntary muscles. It may also affect the muscles of the back solely, the body being bent like a bow, with the head drawn towards the tail; or the muscles of the neck, twisting the head towards the side, and causing the dog to walk sideways, if he can walk at all; or the muscles of the abdomen, bending the body forwards.

The spasms vary in intensity, and, after remitting for a short period, return with greater violence, leaving the dog in a state of great exhaustion.

The usual symptoms are as follows: - There is evident pain and stiffness when the dog moves; the face has a peculiar expression from incipient spasms of the muscles of that region; some part of the body is more or less distorted, according to the particular set of muscles acted on by the spasmodic action; the eyes are moved in a peculiar spasmodic manner. During the actual spasm the dog cannot stand and lies down; the legs are stiff, immovable, and extended; the affected muscles are hard, rigid, and firmly contracted; the limbs are convulsively twitched; the animal can be lifted up "all of a piece;" the mouth is filled with froth, because swallowing is impossible; the dog gives utterance to continual hoarse cries or howls; and the pulse is accelerated. These symptoms gradually abate, but other paroxysms come on, unless relief be given. The dog retains consciousness throughout, showing that the brain is not affected.

It must not be forgotten that symptoms closely resembling, if not identical with the above, are produced by nux vomica, and by its active principle, strychnia. The rarity of true tetanus might justly give rise to a suspicion of accidental or malicious poisoning.

Treatment

Arnica,* when the tetanus is the result of a wound or other injury. The lotion † should be applied topically if the injury be recent.

Aconitum is likewise suitable in traumatic tetanus, especially lock-jaw; and when the spasms and general symptoms are of a severe character. It will generally be necessary to give these two medicines alternately.

Nux vomica, when the spasms bend the body backwards, and the entire muscular system is in a state of rigid spasm, the spasms being evidently excited anew by noise and touch.

Belladonna is specially indicated when the spasms twist the body to one side; and involve the respiratory muscles, thereby causing difficult and embarrassed breathing.

There are other medicines which have been found of service in this violent disease, such as Acidum hydrocyanicum, Strychnine, etc.; but the above are the best for ordinary cases.

When the jaws are locked, the medicines should be given in the form of pilules.

Food, Etc

Beef-tea should be given from time to time, and all noise, etc., avoided. When the jaws are firmly locked, it will be necessary to throw beef-tea, etc., up the rectum.

* For the dose, etc., of these medicines, consult the "Introductory Remarks." † See Appendix.