Tetanus toxoid for equines has been prepared by cultivation of C. tetani into new synthetic medium for production of high potent tetanus toxin which gave high flocculation units [90 Lf (Limit of flocculation)], and high minimum lethal dose (MLD) (600,000). Tetanus toxin was inactivated by formalin, and adsorbed on aluminum hydroxide gel as an adjuvant. It was inoculated into rabbits as a preliminary evaluation for its potency, showing the permissible units allowed to be used for vaccination of horse. The vaccine was tested in horses, which exhibited higher titer of specific antibodies persisted for 8 months post vaccination.

An ELISA was developed to measure serum concentratrions of tetanus toxoid-specific immunoglobulins. The titers obtained with this assay were compatible with those obtained by the standard mouse toxin-neutralization test. Serum samples from 123 llamas were analyzed for ELISA titers to tetanus toxoid. Of the 82 vaccination adults, 75 (91%) had titers greater than or equal to 1:50. The vaccination status and titers of weanlings and juveniles (3 to 12 months old) varied; of the 21 vaccinated, 17 (81%) had titers greater than or equal to 1:50 and 7 of 9 (78%) unvaccinated llamas had titers less than 1.50. The ELISA titers of unvaccinated llamas less than 8 weeks old (crias) were matched with the maternal titers. All crias with titers less than 1:50 had dams with titers greater than or equal to 1:50.

A case of idiopathic tetanus in a horse was treated with large doses of long acting penicillins along with tetanus anti toxins, tetanus toxoid, muscle relaxants and metronidazole. Supportive medication included parenteral dextrose saline, antioxidants, nervine tonics and restoratives. The successful treatment ofthe case over a period of fifteen days was recorded.