In 20 dogs and 1 cat a diagnosis of tetanus was made based on the typical clinical signs and a possible woundhistory. In 7 animals a tooth abnormality was considered as the entrance way of the bacteria. By means of radiographyof the thorax several animals were evaluated for the presence of possible complications such as aspiration pneumonia,megaoesophagus or hiatal hernia. The treatment existed mainly of metronidazole as an antibiotic, acetylpromazineto control the muscle spasms and additional supportive therapy. The survival rate was 71%.