Strangles is a highly contagious upper respiratory bacterial infection of horses. The cause has been identified as a bacterium. The disease has a low mortality rate, yet the economic ramifications due to long recovery periods can be great. The disease is contracted through environmental contamination, nasal discharge, or direct contact with infected animals.
Clinical Signs
1. High fever of 103-106o F
2. Loss of appetite
3. A moist cough
4. Clear nasal discharge that will become yellow
5. Difficulty in breathing and swallowing (hence the name)
6. Swelling of submandibular lymph nodes.
This upper-respiratory inflammation then spreads to the submandibular lymph nodes (below the jaw) which eventually abscess. Signs can range from minor to major. The most severe form involves inflammation of all lymph nodes.
Treatment
Treatment consists of supportive care, which involves keeping the animal warm and dry, isolating the patient from other animals, and offering soft foods. Hot packing of the abscesses speeds up formation of pus. The antibiotic of choice is penicillin if used before abscess development. Penicillin used after abscess formation slows recovery.
Prevention
There is a vaccination available, yet efficacy is low and the duration is short. The best prevention is to isolate new animals, optimally for a month. Any horses with upper respiratory signs should be avoided and/or watched closely for further problems.
