What was your diagnosis? LOCAL tetanus was the presumptive diagnosis. The scapular wound was excised and a 10-day course of clavulanic acid potentiated amoxicillin (Synulox; Beecham) prescribed. A favourable prognosis was given. The muscle rigidity gradu- ally resolved over a 10-week period with return of normal limb function.

Local tetanus is a rare disorder and diagnosis can be difficult. However, the presence of tonic rigidity of only one limb is virtually patho- gnomonic of the condition, especially when there is clinical or historical evidence of a penetrating wound. The prognosis is good; clinical signs gradually resolve within two to three months.

Clostridium tetani is an obligate anaerobic bac- terium which produces the neurotoxin tetanospasmin. Penetrating wounds provide a suitable environment for spore germination and toxin production, The clinical features result from the action of tetanospasmin on inhibitory neurotransmission in the spinal cord and brain- stem, following retrograde axonal transport of the toxin from the infected focus. Affected animals with generalised tetanus typically have stiff limbs, a rigid tail, increased jaw tone, erect ears, retracted lips and prolapsed nictitating mem- branes. In cases of local tetanus the spread of exotoxin is restricted to neurons which innervate local muscle groups adjacent to the site of injury. Continuous involuntary muscle contraction results in the typical clinical signs seen in this case.

Reference MALIK, R., CHURCH, D. B., MADDISON, J. E. & FARROW, B. R.

(1989) Three cases of local tetanus. Journal of Small Ani- mal Practice 30, 469-473

BOOK REVIEW The Waltham Book of Companion Animal Nutrition Edited by J. Burger. Published by Pergamon Press, Oxford. Price €15.00. Paperback. 136 pages.

THE stated objectives of this book are to present the best information on the subject in an access- ible, readable way. This is certainly achieved and

the intended readership of student veterinarians, nurses and discriminating owners should benefit greatly, as should established veterinarians and those clients who wish to browse through some- thing useful while in the waiting room.

The book shows considerable development from its two predecessors, while following the pattern of basic science in the first part and a more practical aspect later on. In all the chapters, essential information and summaries are high- lighted in clear tables, although it is difficult to establish why some tables are in the text and others in the appendix.

The two chapters on cats and dogs cover every aspect expected, with the different stages of growth and reproduction clearly identified. These two sections, though covering familiar ground, are very well written and the practical aspects of feeding are supplemented with refer- ence to up-to-date information. As in other parts of the book, if the information is not available this is stated.

The chapter on feeding pet birds and orna- mental fish will be welcomed throughout the profession. There are indications of further developments in these neglected areas. Both sec- tions could have included more on the ingredi- ents used in feeding.

The fish section (reviewed by R. Lorrimer of The Royal Veterinary College) would have bene- fited from some anatomical drawings and pho- tographs. There is a shortage of practical advice on feeding and the diagrams, though valuable, need to be described more fully. No doubt the next edition will include reports of major devel- opments in this aspect of nutrition.

The chapter on horse nutrition was the only one tinged with disappointment. It lacked a clear aim, neither satisfying completely the need of the pony owner nor the performance horse owner. Although many post 1990 references are used, an owner or veterinarian would benefit more from reading David FrapB’s book ‘Equine Nutrition and Feeding’.

Overall, this is a book that can be recommend- ed with confidence which treats nutrition as an interesting science and not a collection of end- less facts.

ALUN STEDMAN

JSAP binders BINDERS for 1 2 copies of the Journal of Small Animal Practice are available from TGS Subscriber Services, 6 Bourne Enterprise Centre, Wrotham Road, Borough Green, Kent. Price €5.95. Cash with order please.

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