LOCKED- JAW, OR TETAXUS, 133 



LOCKED-JAW, Oil TETANUS 



Tetanus is a nervous affection, characterized by a more or 

 less permanent contraction, spasm, or cramping of the volun- 

 tary muscles ; most particularly observable in those of the jaws 

 and neck. It has received the name of locJced-jaiv, from the 

 fact that the muscles of the jaw are the first to become power- 

 fully affected, presenting one of the most alarming features of 

 the disease — inability to chew or swallow. 



Sf/mjjtoms. — Tetanus may come on quite suddenly, but more 

 frequently it is slow and insidious in its approach. The horse 

 may appear rather unwell for a day or two ; does not feed as 

 he should, only partially chewing his food, and manifesting 

 considerable difficulty in swallowing ; and gulj^s his water, and 

 appears agitated. There may also be symptoms of stiffness of 

 the muscles of the neck, and of the head and face, and even the 

 eyes may begin to show an unnatural expression of squinting or 

 drawing back. Any of these symptoms being observed an ex- 

 amination should be made, for the success of treatment depends 

 much on the stage of the disease at which it is commenced. 

 The ccirlier the better. If the case is one of tetanus, the 

 jaws will be found stiff, and only admitting of being opened a 

 little way; or, perhaps, firmly closed; the muscles at the side 

 of the jaw being rigidly contracted, presenting perfectly hard 

 lumps or ridges. Very soon the muscles of the neck will be- 

 come quite stiff, so that the head can not be turned without 

 considerable difficulty; the ears become stiff and fixed; the eyes 

 are drawn far back, squinting outward, and the brow drawn 

 far over the eye; the lips and nostrils become contracted; the 

 head is extended forward; the fore-feet are set forward and 

 wide apart; the abdomen or belly is tucked up; the back and 

 loins stiff; if the tail is not too heavy, it is raised and trem- 

 bling; the hind legs are rigid and straddling; the whole body 

 becomes stiff and immovable; the breathing laborious, and 

 still more so as the disease progresses; the pulse is not always 



