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Newsgroups: rec.equestrian From: reshan@deyr.ultranet.com (CMNewell) Subject: Strangles FAQ Date: Wed, 06 Jan 1999 20:25:53 GMT What is strangles? (the grandfather of all strep throats) Strangles is an acute upper respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi. It is one of the oldest diseases described in veterinary literature. How is it spread? (snort!) Strangles is spread by the transmission of discharges containing infectious material. This can be either by direct aerosol (sneezing, coughing), by flies, or by equipment (bits, buckets, pitchforks) or contact with contaminated surfaces (walls, fences, etc.). A person handling an infected horse who then handles a susceptible animal can spread it. It can be carried on boots, clothing, etc. Outbreaks are most frequently due to the introduction of a new animal which is either incubating the disease, or one which is recovering and still shedding organisms. Rarely, a horse may be an inapparent carrier, shedding the organism for a prolonged time after recovery. What are the symptoms? (cough, snort, eww, gross!) Usually the first sign is a mild depression, accompanied by a fever (102-103 F), and a nasal discharge, which begins as clear, and rapidly becomes purulent. There is a mild cough, decreased appetite, some difficulty swallowing, and enlargement of the lymph nodes in the lower jaw. The swelling progresses, usually culminating in abscessation and subsequent drainage of highly infectious pus from the area in 1-2 weeks after initial signs of infection. Uncomplicated cases make an uneventful recovery after this point. Older animals with some immunity may have a much milder form, with only a cough, mild fever, and nasal discharge. What is the treatment? (chicken soup???) In most cases, good nursing care is the main form of treatment. Keep the horse warm and dry,and offer soft food (mashes). Monitor temperature. Hot compresses on abscessed lymph nodes will promote rupture and drainage. Flush the draining tracts with a dilute povidone-iodine solution. Allow plenty of time for full recovery (4-6 weeks ) before returning the horse to work. Use of antibiotics is controversial--exposed animals not showing signs may benefit, but in horses with lymph node involvement, antibiotics tend to slow the maturation and resolution of abscesses, thereby prolonging the infection. How can it be prevented? (but my horse can't live in a bubble) Strict quarantine (2-4 weeks) of any newcomer to a barn is the preferred method, but not always practical. Vaccination is available, but only partially effective. It may reduce the severity of the disease in vaccinated animals, as well as limit the spread. Vaccination is not recommended in animals which may be incubating the disease. At shows and other events, avoid mingling with other horses, sharing buckets and equipment, and allowing spectators to pet or feed multiple horses. CMNewell, DVM ***** Surgeon General of rec.eq Bogbash party Recipient of the Bogbash anti-Equus favorite vet award The Chuck of Eq Also see |
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