Tetanus (lockjaw) is a well-known clostridial disease of man and animals that produces a characteristic syndrome of muscular rigidity, hyperesthesia, and convulsions. The disease largely arises out of wound becoming contaminated. Goats are susceptible to tetanus and routine vaccination against tetanus is recommended in goats.

Clinical disease has been seen in a one week-old kid within four days of disbudding, and in an adult doe several months after dystocia. Early signs of tetanus include stiffness, "sawhorse" stance, and the ears and tail become stiff. There is reluctance to move, and difficulty opening the mouth. Over time, animals become hyperesthetic and respond dramatically to touch and loud noise by stiffening, collapsing to the ground, followed by seizure. Eventually animals are permanently recumbent, with rigid extension of all limbs and opisthotonus. Affected animals will show convulsion periodically at the slightest disturbance. Once recumbent, death usually occurs within 24 to 36 hours.

In almost all cases, there is a history of recent injury, surgical procedure, dystocia, or vaccination. The disease is almost always diagnosed on the basis of history and symptoms. Treatment and management of the tetanus patients often become very expensive and involved. This includes high doses of antibiotics, high level doses of tetanus antitoxins, wound therapy, fluids, and parental feeding.

The prognosis is always guarded. Tetanus can readily be prevented by a combination of vaccination and good hygiene. When the immune status of young kids is unknown, routine procedures such as disbudding and castration should be accompanied by injection of 150 to 250 units of tetanus antitoxin. When the status of adult is unknown, 500 to 750 units of antitoxin can be administered when treating wounds and dystocias. It is recommended that routine vaccination for tetanus be incorporated into the herd health program for does, kids, and bucks.