Two-year-old filly Tenacious Candy (Twirling Candy) endured an extended hospitalization at UC Davis's veterinary hospital to survive tetanus and is now on her way to a racing career, according to an article written by Rob Warren and published on the university's website.
The article states that after a leg cut exposed her to the bacterium that causes tetanus, Tenacious Candy was taken to UC Davis's Large Animal Clinic where specialists in the Equine Internal Medicine Service observed classic signs of the disease–a prolapsed third eyelid, a rigid mouth, and a stiff body and tail.
As Warren explains, tetanus is potentially fatal and is characterized by muscular spasms caused by a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The organisms are abundant in the soil and surrounding environments, where they can survive for years. Horses are especially sensitive to the bacterium.
The piece goes on to say that the filly was given tetanus anti-toxin medication and supportive care of fluid therapy, muscle relaxants, and a quiet environment of low light, low noise, and low activity, as tetanic horses are overly sensitive to stimuli.
“It is not a recovery that can happen overnight,” said Dr. Emily Berryhill, assistant professor of equine medicine. “Horses recovering from tetanus routinely go through an extensive rehabilitation process. The toxins can be out of their system after being bound with antitoxin, but the damaged neuromuscular junctions need several weeks to regenerate.”
Warren's reporting says that 2-year-old sustained significant muscle weakness as part of the disease process and tore a muscle in her hind leg while attempting to stand during rehabilitation. She was taken back to the hospital and placed in a sling to stabilize her and prevent further injury. After nearly a month, she was discharged after being able to lay down and get up repeatedly on her own.
“Caring for Tenacious Candy was a labor of love for the veterinarians, students, and staff at the hospital,” Dr. Berryhill stated. “It is not easy for a young, high-energy horse to stay in a stall for that length of time, let alone tolerate a sling. We all grew to love her personality and spark, which helped her survive the worst. She truly lived up her name.”
According to the article, tetanus is preventable with vaccination. Even though Tenacious Candy was vaccinated on schedule, it is possible that she did not generate the full immunity needed as a foal, increasing her risk of developing tetanus.
The piece goes on to relate that her previous vaccinations did provide partial immunity, which helped her survive, even though they were not enough to fully protect her from the disease.
“In addition to vaccination, proper first aid and wound care can help prevent tetanus,” said Dr. Berryhill. “We recommend keeping stalls, paddocks, and other barn areas free of materials that could cause injury and seeking veterinary intervention for wounds, even if small.”
“Candy's survival was touch and go that first week,” said owner Mary Ellen Conway. “She is alive today because of the unflagging, over-the-top care given by Dr. Berryhill and the entire UC Davis team. I am beyond grateful they pulled her though.”
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