Strangles-Endell Veterinary Group

Strangles

This is a highly contagious debilitating bacterial respiratory disease in horses of all ages. Young horses are particularly susceptible and show signs of fever, thick nasal discharge, coughing, anorexia, lethargy and swollen glands, especially around the head and neck.The glands often abscess ate, but can also enlarge to such a degree that airways can be restricted causing breathing difficulties. In some cases the absces s can occur within other body organs, which can have fatal consequences. The bacteria streptococcus equi enters the body via the respiratory system by aerosol means or by direct or indirect contact with infected horses.

The disease occurs 4 - 14 days following contact with the bacteria with abscess es taking a further 2 weeks to develop.

Treatment involves supportive care with clean, hygienic stable management. Anti inflammatory medication and fluid therapy may be required. Antibiotics may not always be advantageous and is usually left to the discretion of the veterinary surgeon and the individual case. The abscesses usually burst themselves but may require hot fomentation and flushing when the pus is expelled.

This is a highly contagious disease and stable personel have to be extremely vigilant in not transferring the disease outside the affected area. All precautions in preventing spread have to be taken extremely seriously.