PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Keep your horse’s tetanus vaccines up to date. Tetanus is an oftenfatal disease caused when Clostridium tetani bacteria, which are normal residents of manure and soil, are able to multiply in the anaerobic environment of a puncture wound. C. tetani releases a neurotoxin that can lead to rigid muscle spasms severe enough to fracture bones and prevent breathing.

• Inspect your stalls, run-ins and turnouts periodically. Look for loose nails or screws that are protruding from walls or fences, fallen branches or loose debris, splinters or other hazards that could injure your horse.

• Have your farrier come out regularly. The nails from lost shoes are a common source of puncture wounds to the foot. Examine your horse’s shoes as you pick out his hooves, and call your farrier if you find one coming loose.

• Work smart on farm projects and repairs. Put down a drop cloth to catch hardware and other hazards. When cleaning up after projects, use a magnet to find dropped nails or screws.

• Don’t park tractors, manure spreaders or other equipment in pastures, aisles or riding arenas.