Equine Wellness Tips

Wellness Tips

What You Need To Know About Strangles

Strangles is an infectious and highly transmissible bacterial disease of horses. The disease is characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and most often by lymph node abscesses (pockets of pus). The bacteria, called Streptococcus equi, are transmitted through the discharges of infected animals.

The bacteria are susceptible to disinfectants (i.e. bleach).
Affected animals are infectious for >4weeks after onset.
Infection is by inhalation or ingestion of discharges.
Vaccination will aid in the prevention of the disease and dramatically reduce the severity of disease.

Pinnacle IN is an intranasal vaccine that requires a booster 4 weeks after initial vaccination. Annual vaccination is recommended.

Clinical signs

If your horse ever displays clinical signs, a veterinarian should examine him or her as soon as possible.

It will take 3-6 days for an infected horse to show signs of the disease.

Infected horses may show some or all of the following signs:

Inappetance
Fever (normal temperature is 38°C +/- 0.5 degrees)
Painful swallowing
Nasal discharge (either runny or containing mucus/pus)
Ocular (eye) discharge
Swollen lymph nodes; particularly mandibular (under the jaw)
Abscess formation of the lymph nodes
Death may result from a central nervous system infection, pneumonia, abscessation of viscera (organs in the abdomen – ‘bastard strangles’), or asphyxiation due to compression of the pharynx or larynx (throat region).

Diagnosis

By a veterinarian.
Confirmation made by culture of the pus from abscess or nasal discharge.

Treatment

Complete rest and nursing care.
As prescribed by the veterinarian.
Infected horses continue to shed the bacteria for at least 4 weeks after clinical signs resolve.

Prevention

Newly acquired horses should be isolated from others for several weeks.
Any nasal discharge that develops should be cultured.
Stalls, water troughs, tack and grooming utensils should be disinfected regularly.
Vaccination of all horses.

For horses that travel to boarding facilities, shows, etc. there are several useful ways to decrease the risk of contracting strangles.

Minimize direct contact with other horses
Disinfect food and water containers before use
Ensure stalls are disinfected between horses
Minimize travel-related stress on your horse if possible

This disease can be a frustrating problem for any horse owner. However, with efforts by the owner to maintain good hygiene and monitor the overall health of the horse, this disease can be resolved. In addition, there is NO SUBSTITUTE for proper veterinary care – it is an integral part of the health maintenance of your horse.

If you have any further questions about strangles or any other disease please call the clinic at 963-9898.