Post by IH Health on Jun 25, 2012 14:26:45 GMT 1
Strangles
What is it?
Strangles is a bacterial infection of the respiratory system in horses, ponies, donkeys and other equines. It is highly contagious and a serious disease caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi.
Causes
The illness is caused by the bacteria so where-ever it is, the potential for strangles is there! In perfect conditions the bacteria can live for up to 9 weeks outside of a host and the incubation period is 3-14 days. That means it can live in the ground, in fences, in the wood of stables, in lorries and trailers or even in brushes and rugs.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include any or all or the following:
* Depression and or lethargy
* Fever
* Cough
* Lymph nodes will swell - usually this will be the lymph nodes where the head meets the neck or above the eyes.
* Nasal discharge - normally thick
* Difficulty swallowing
* General malaise
Other types of stranges
Metastatic Strangles ("Bastard Strangles") is where the lymph nodes across the body are affected.
Diagnosis
If you suspect strangles a vet will be required to confirm. A swab will be taken of any mucus and tested.
Treatment
Isolate your horse immediately and ensure that proper quarantene procedures are put in place - this may mean strict hygiene procedures. Always ensure that if you are dealing with a horse with strangles that you do not come into contact with any other horse without changing/washing.
Horses should be kept warm, dry and in a dust free environment. Painkillers and antibiotics may be administered by your vet - penicillin is sometimes given within 24 hours of fever however there are conflicting arguments as to whether this should be done as it may mask/stop the absecess forming and may increase the risk of further infection. Poulticing of abcesses before and after rupture should be done with care and under vets orders/supervision. The abcess should be cleaned and kept clean until all discharges stop.
Ways to reduce the risk of Strangles
* Ensure that all new horses at your yard/field are properly isolated to ensure they are not infected with strangles - especially if they have come from a sale or have been in contact with many, unknown horses.
* Consider the strangles vaccine - There is now a vaccine for strangles that you may want to consider if you think your horse is at risk. Please discuss the risks with your vet.
* Keep good hygiene - ensure your horse has his own equipment/brushes/rugs etc and try to avoid borrowing or lending to horses of unknown health status.
* Don't keep quiet!!! If your horse has strangles or you know first hand of a horse with strangles don't keep quiet about it. The more people who may come in to contact with your horse/yard who know, the more people can ensure the bacteria is not spread any further.
* Some horses can 'carry' strangles but not be affected by it. You can ask your vet for tests to see if your horse is a carrier...
Good websites
Equine Strangles
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
Strangles vaccine
Strangles
Strangles to vaccinate or not?
or on Facebook IH Member lucyjk has offered photographs and a description of her journey
+ much more in the search section!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.
What is it?
Strangles is a bacterial infection of the respiratory system in horses, ponies, donkeys and other equines. It is highly contagious and a serious disease caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi.
Causes
The illness is caused by the bacteria so where-ever it is, the potential for strangles is there! In perfect conditions the bacteria can live for up to 9 weeks outside of a host and the incubation period is 3-14 days. That means it can live in the ground, in fences, in the wood of stables, in lorries and trailers or even in brushes and rugs.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include any or all or the following:
* Depression and or lethargy
* Fever
* Cough
* Lymph nodes will swell - usually this will be the lymph nodes where the head meets the neck or above the eyes.
* Nasal discharge - normally thick
* Difficulty swallowing
* General malaise
Other types of stranges
Metastatic Strangles ("Bastard Strangles") is where the lymph nodes across the body are affected.
Diagnosis
If you suspect strangles a vet will be required to confirm. A swab will be taken of any mucus and tested.
Treatment
Isolate your horse immediately and ensure that proper quarantene procedures are put in place - this may mean strict hygiene procedures. Always ensure that if you are dealing with a horse with strangles that you do not come into contact with any other horse without changing/washing.
Horses should be kept warm, dry and in a dust free environment. Painkillers and antibiotics may be administered by your vet - penicillin is sometimes given within 24 hours of fever however there are conflicting arguments as to whether this should be done as it may mask/stop the absecess forming and may increase the risk of further infection. Poulticing of abcesses before and after rupture should be done with care and under vets orders/supervision. The abcess should be cleaned and kept clean until all discharges stop.
Ways to reduce the risk of Strangles
* Ensure that all new horses at your yard/field are properly isolated to ensure they are not infected with strangles - especially if they have come from a sale or have been in contact with many, unknown horses.
* Consider the strangles vaccine - There is now a vaccine for strangles that you may want to consider if you think your horse is at risk. Please discuss the risks with your vet.
* Keep good hygiene - ensure your horse has his own equipment/brushes/rugs etc and try to avoid borrowing or lending to horses of unknown health status.
* Don't keep quiet!!! If your horse has strangles or you know first hand of a horse with strangles don't keep quiet about it. The more people who may come in to contact with your horse/yard who know, the more people can ensure the bacteria is not spread any further.
* Some horses can 'carry' strangles but not be affected by it. You can ask your vet for tests to see if your horse is a carrier...
Good websites
Equine Strangles
Previous discussions (click on title for link)
Strangles vaccine
Strangles
Strangles to vaccinate or not?
or on Facebook IH Member lucyjk has offered photographs and a description of her journey
+ much more in the search section!
Please post below any information you have on this subject or of your experiences in diagnosis/treatment/aftercare. All information given is for reference only and does not constitute or should replace qualified veterinarian advice.