Colorado Serum Tetanus Antitoxin is recommended as an aid in the prevention and
treatment of tetanus in animals. This product was licensed prior to the
requirement to establish a minimum age for use. The exact duration of passive
immunity is unknown, but literature states 7-14 days.
Safety in pregnant animals is unknown.
Tetanus antitoxin is prepared from the
blood of healthy horses that have been specifically hyperimmunized. It is
recommended for use when a non-immunized animal suffers a deep wound that may
have been contaminated with soil, following castration or docking, and other
situations where tetanus infection has been a problem.
Tetanus is caused by a
neurotoxin (Poison) produced by growth of Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic
microorganism, in necrotic tissue.
Do not vaccinate within
21 days before slaughter.
1,500 units (5 ml)
administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly is the recommended preventive
dose. 5 ml equals 1,500 units.
For treatment,
administer 10,000 to 50,000 units to cattle, 3,000 to 15,000 units to sheep and
swine.
FOR TREATMENT: Large doses of
Tetanus Antitoxin may provide beneficial response in animals already infected
with tetanus, but success of treatment is not assured. Animals with slow
healing puncture wounds or deep abrasions should be given a second dose of
antitoxin in 7 days and additionally as deemed necessary.