FAQ Tetanus Questions

Tetanus seems to be a large problem amongst the livestock industry, as well as any other type of diseases. Here are some questions in regards to Tetanus when using the Eze Bloodless Castrator.

For more detailed information in regards to Tetanus, Select Here and a history of Clostridial Diseases, Select Here.

For specific information of brands:
Anchor's Bar-Vac®
CD/T Schering-Plough Covexin®
8 Bayer's Vision® CD/T

1) What is the difference between Tetanus Toxoid and Tetanus Antitoxin? 
A) Tetanus Toxoid is administered to the animal to help build an immunity to Tetanus. After the injection, the Toxoid will start to take effect approximately 10 to 25 days, which is the time it takes tetanus to show up in the animal if present. The injection will stay in the system up to 2 to 3 months.

Tetanus Antitoxin is administered to the animal if tetanus is present in the animal already or you suspect the animal of getting it. This antitoxin takes effect almost immediately after the injection and only stays in the system for up to 10 days.

2) I have lost animals due to Tetanus, why is this?
A) Although I am not a vet, I can only offer advice on possible reasons as to why this is occurring and from experience that I have received. Many people run their cattle operations differently and may be hard to pinpoint exactly why this is occurring. I will say that the animal may already have Tetanus or received shortly after and as a result is probably caused from the castrating process.

Whether it was a surgical method or band method, the results more than likely would have been the same. In some areas, Tetanus is more of a problem than others. In general, when administering a Tetanus shot, it doesn't take full effect for a full week or two. And in many cases, if the shot isn't a booster, than the strength of the shot may be decreased up to 60%. If you delay castrate, make sure you give a Tetanus Toxoid injection during the first vaccination period. We use Covexin 8 when doing this. Give another Tetanus Toxoid injection a minimum of two weeks prior to time of castration and another at the time of castration. This may vary according to your area. You may be able to just give a Tetanus Toxoid injection during the first vaccination and at the time of castration. I quote from a box of Covexin® 8. "For Cl. perfringens types B, C and D, revaccinate two weeks prior to parturition, introduction to lush pastures or finishing programs. Calves vaccinated under 3 months of age should be revaccinate at weaning or 4 to 6 months of age.

3) Why vaccinate?
A) Vaccination is the only way to provide long term protection against tetanus.

4) What about the use of Tetanus Antitoxin?
A) Tetanus antitoxin provides immediate protection but this protection only lasts for 3 weeks. Animals given tetanus antitoxin can develop tetanus once the levels of antitoxin have dropped below the protective level. It is extremely risky if owners are relying on the use of tetanus antitoxin given to the animals, after a wound, to protect them against tetanus, as some cases of tetanus occur from wounds which are so small they are not noticed.

5) Does the vaccine cause a reaction?
A) Like a number of vaccines, local swelling may occur at the site of the injection. Provided the injection has been carried out aseptically, any swelling should resolve spontaneously.

6) How is the vaccine administered?
A) The vaccine is injected intramuscularly. The most convenient site for injection is the center of the side of the neck.

7) What is the vaccination schedule?
A) It may vary slightly according to the type of vaccine you use. Generally you can vaccinate young calves at any age with a booster given in 21-28 days and once annually.