30 TETANUS. 
When tetanus originates in some wound, the horse is generally nerv- 
ous from the first. It fidgets in the stall; it lacks the repose which 
usually sits so beautifully upon the sick horse’s frame. It is excited at 
the approach of any person, and, commonly, very obstinate when given 
physic. The wound may, nevertheless, be healthy. Sometimes, as the 
outbreak draws near, the wound may rapidly close, become morbidly 
dry, or, instead of pus, send forth only a foul and scanty serum. Instances 
are narrated of tetanus supervening upon mortification; but such re- 
ported cases are, in the horse, very rare. Commonly, the wound pre- 
sents no appearance by which any man, however profound his knowledge, 
could guess the consequence to which it had given rise. 
Tetanus is announced by an appearance of excitement. The tail is 
erect; the ears pointed forward; the head elevated; the legs stiffened 
and stretched out. This aspect 
of excitement is not temporary. 
The groom passes through the 
stable and the attitude is main- 
tained. He wonders “what ails 
the horse?” It seems all alive; 
yet, though the groom shout out 
“come over,” the order is obeyed 
with difficulty. The food is not 
eaten. Itis picked and strewed 
about, but not devoured. When 
master returns home, the groom 
wishes he would “just look” at the horse. It is very strange indeed! 
Why, the tail is quivering and the body feels quite hard—not like flesh. 
Hopes are expressed and the “veterinary” sent for. He proceeds at 
once to the manger, observing the animal as he approaches. With one 
hand he raises the horse’s head. The haw is projected over the eye, and 
a case of tetanus is recognized. 
Most persons know what bellyache and cramp are. Well, these are 
but spasms affecting different parts of the body: tetanus is spasm affect- 
ing every part of the body at the same time. The spasm is always pres- 
ent; but it admits of aggravation. Any painful operation, any sudden 
fright, or the slightest sound, will produce a paroxysm, during which the 
horse’s body is fearfully contorted; and the animal writhes as it falls to 
the ground. Left alone, however, the horse may rise after some time; 
for nothing causes the quadruped so much dread as an inability to stand. 
It may totter or fall about, but it refuses to lie down, even though rest 
must be greatly needed and would act as the best of medicine. It stands 
day after day in the same spot. It does not move, as any motion may 
THE TEST FOR TETANUS, WHEN NOT FULLY DEVELOPED. 
