Sourse: SlideShare
Synonyms
Eclampsia, Transit tetany
• Common occurrence in draft horse breeding, the mortality rate is high i.e.> 60%
• Occurs in lactating mares- at about the 10th day of foaling or 1-2 days after weaning
• Mares grazing on lush pasture – the heavy flow of milk – more susceptible
• Hard physical work, housing wild ponies, and prolonged transport are precipitating factors
• Sometimes- no apparent cause.
Clinical signs
• Severe cases -sweat profusely, difficulty in moving because of tetany and in-coordination, stiff gait, the tail is slightly raised, rapid violent respiration, wide dilatation of nostrils, distinct thumping sound from the chest(due to spasm of the diaphragm), muscular fibrillation-masseter trismus, no prolapse of membrane nictitans.
• Hypersensitive to sound.
• Handling precipitates tetany.
• Temperature is average or increased slightly.
• Pulse rate-normal early, later elevated, and irregular.
• Attempts to eat and drink, but unable to swallow.
• Urination and defecation kept in abeyance.
• Peristalsis is reduced.
• Recumbency within 24 hrs-convulsions- die after 48 hrs of illness.
• Serum Ca: > 8mg% – excitability; 5-8 mg% -spasm; <5 mg % – recumbency and stupor
Differential diagnosis
• Tetanus
- prolapse of membrane nictitans,
- no relationship to recent foaling or weaning or physical exertion.
• Laminitis – anxiety, muscle tremor, pain in the foot.
Treatment
• Inj. Calcium solutions- complete recovery.
• Main sign of recovery-voiding large volumes of urine.