Symptoms of Tetanus in Goats

Tetanus in goats is a neurological disease caused by a common bacterium (Clostridium tetani) that usually results in death once your animal develops an infection. Clostridium tetani produces spores that are commonly present in dirt and feces; once the spores enter a deep wound on your goat̵7;s body, they produce a neurotoxin that causes your goat to exhibit a range of neurological symptoms. Since treating this disease effectively is difficult, it is much easier for you to prevent tetanus in your goats through tetanus vaccinations and by maintaining a clean work environment.

  1. Body Stiffness

    • This characteristic symptom of tetanus is usually the first sign your goat exhibits. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, body stiffness typically first shows up in your goat̵7;s neck, hind legs and around the area of the infected wound. Often, this localized stiffness is evident when your goat tries to walk around, since it results in a distinct, rigid walking pattern. Within 24 hours, the stiffness progresses to encompass your goat̵7;s entire body. TennesseeMeatGoats.com states that the legs of a goat infected with tetanus become so stiff that your goat often assumes a ̶0;rocking horse-like stance̶1; with the front legs extended forward stiffly and the back legs extended backward stiffly.

    Spasms and Eating Difficulties

    • Spasms and problems eating often appear in goats experiencing a tetanus infection. Tonic spasms--ongoing involuntary muscle spasms--indicate tetanus in goats, as well as other animal species, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. These spasms get progressively worse, spreading throughout the body and increasing in intensity as the tetanus infection takes hold. Particularly violent spasms that occur in your goat̵7;s head and neck area give rise to the name ̶0;lockjaw̶1; that many people use to describe tetanus. These spasms also cause your goat to experience increased difficulty eating and drinking because it can't control the spasms of the muscles in its mouth.

    Hyperesthesia

    • Hyperesthesia, an increased sensitivity to stimulation, is another symptom that accompanies spasms and increases in intensity as the infection worsens. When experiencing this symptom, your goat typically jerks or spasms violently in response to sudden or unexpected touches or noises. As your goat̵7;s infection progresses, you will notice this intense neurological response with quiet sounds and gentle touches as well. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, this increased sensitivity frequently leads your infected goat to fall to the ground with its back arching and the head and heels flexing back, a condition known as opistohonos.