A horse with a leg wound and a stiff gait would most likely have which condition?

A horse with a leg wound and a stiff gait would most likely have which condition?

• A. Tetanus
• B. Rabies
• C. Botulism
• D. Strangles

Answer: (A)

Tetanus is the most likely cause when a horse has a wound and a stiff gait because Clostridium tetani produces a toxin that blocks inhibitory signals in the nervous system, leading to sustained, generalized muscle rigidity. After a wound, especially one that is contaminated and in an anaerobic environment, the toxin can affect muscles everywhere, causing a stiff, sawhorse stance, exaggerated guarding of the limbs, and difficulty moving. This stiff, painful gait is a classic presentation of tetanus in horses, and it can progress rapidly without treatment. Rabies can cause neurologic signs, but the presentation isn’t the typical rigid gait tied to a contaminated leg wound; it often involves behavioral changes, aggression, or progressive paralysis. Botulism causes flaccid weakness rather than rigidity, so it doesn’t fit a stiff gait. Strangles is a respiratory disease with fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes, not a leg-wound–associated stiffness. Vaccination and prompt wound care are important for prevention and management.

Tetanus is the most likely cause when a horse has a wound and a stiff gait because Clostridium tetani produces a toxin that blocks inhibitory signals in the nervous system, leading to sustained, generalized muscle rigidity. After a wound, especially one that is contaminated and in an anaerobic environment, the toxin can affect muscles everywhere, causing a stiff, sawhorse stance, exaggerated guarding of the limbs, and difficulty moving. This stiff, painful gait is a classic presentation of tetanus in horses, and it can progress rapidly without treatment.

Rabies can cause neurologic signs, but the presentation isn’t the typical rigid gait tied to a contaminated leg wound; it often involves behavioral changes, aggression, or progressive paralysis. Botulism causes flaccid weakness rather than rigidity, so it doesn’t fit a stiff gait. Strangles is a respiratory disease with fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes, not a leg-wound–associated stiffness.

Vaccination and prompt wound care are important for prevention and management.