CALF_News_October_November_2019

17 CALF News • October | November 2019 • www.calfnews.net a couple weeks. Research and informa- tion on this matter vary widely. Although all tetanus victims will exhibit similar symptoms, horses and cattle will have most similarity in clinical observation. Both will assume a “rocking horse” stance, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual . There will be erect stiffness of ears and tails, along with sweating. In later stages, when animals are startled, they may move with a stiff- legged goose step. This is an unmistakable symptom of tetanus in cattle. Common among all species are the neck and head spasms, which prevents the jaw and mouth from opening, hence the moniker “lockjaw.” Excessive salivation occurs at this point and treatment is useless. The cause of these gruesome symp- toms is neurotoxins produced by the bacteria in injured (necrotic) tissue that are absorbed by the motor nerves and travel up the nerve tract to the spinal cord. This is where the real trouble sets in. Severe spasmodic contractions seize the voluntary muscles. Increased toxins released into the victim’s bloodstream compound the symptoms. Muscular contractions become so severe that they can fracture bones. Eventually, spasms affecting the larynx, diaphragm and intercostal muscles will cause respiratory failure. The toxins will also cause extreme anxiety, heart arrhythmia, crushing of the trachea and hypertension. Depending on the source of informa- tion, mortality may reach 50-80 percent. Those affected with milder cases can recover over a period of many weeks with the aid of the antitoxin, sedatives and exceptional care. Above all, treatment must begin early in the onset of symptoms. Prevention When castrating with a knife, be sure the scrotal sack can drain. Turning calves back on pasture afterward is particularly helpful as well as castrating or band- ing before 90 days of age. Smaller sacks heal faster than large ones, offering the bacteria less time to reproduce. Above all, vaccination is imperative, along with keeping knives, calf pullers and needles clean. More about humans Nearly all people born in the United States are vaccinated for tetanus. Incidence of this tragic illness is almost completely confined to underdeveloped countries. Symptoms and complications include broken bones, painful spasms, arched back, lockjaw, heart and lung blockage, and frequent death. Interest- ingly, according to the History of Vaccines , minor wounds are more troublesome than major ones because larger wounds are more likely to be thoroughly cleaned and tended by a physician. One of the largest contributing factors to human tetanus cases is unsanitary conditions during childbirth. This leads to the most brutal form of the disease – neonatal tetanus – affecting newborn infants. Mortality is 100 percent. What’s the lesson? Vaccinate your livestock, your children and yourself. The tetanus bacterium does not dis- criminate.  The industry is changing; it’s time to take cattle feeding down a new road. Recent advancements in cattle nutrition have opened new routes to help limit pulls, treatment and positively benefit the health of an animal. Adopting a new measure of prevention through the feed is an important first step to help minimize delays on the road ahead. Take a new road with ProTernative ® - a proven probiotic that positively activates the immune system of cattle during times of stress. ProTernative works in the lower gut to influence the animal’s natural immunity through an internal active process that only a specific, robust and active live yeast can deliver. The road you’ve always taken doesn’t cut it anymore. Feed ProTernative and take a new measure of prevention. PROTERNATIVE-THE NEW MEASURE OF PREVENTION LALLEMAND ANIMAL NUTRITION Tel: 414 464 6440 Email: LAN_NA@lallemand.com www.lallemandanimalnutrition.com Not all products are available in all markets nor are all claims allowed in all regions. ©2016. ProTernative is a registered trademark of Lallemand Animal Nutrition.