What is Strangles?
It is a commonly diagnosed infectious disease that affects all equine species.
It remains a feared disease because of its debilitating effects.
What causes this infectious disease? It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi.
Clinical signs are usually seen between 3 – 14 days after the horse has been in contact with the infection -
Depression and dullness
Nasal discharge
Fever
Development of a cough
Poor appetite
Symptoms can be very mild and not noticeable, even though the horse is still infectious.
If your horse is suffering from any of the clinical signs call your vet immediately.
Swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) or neck or under the jaw usually appear approximately one week after the clinical signs.
The lymph nodes will swell and often burst discharging thick yellow highly infectious pus caused by the abscesses.
Sometimes the glands swell so much they restrict the airway, hence the name.
In some cases the infection spreads causing abscesses in the body organs as well as the lymph nodes.
This condition is known as “ bastard-strangles in horses ” and is potentially fatal.
Most horses will take 3 –4 weeks to recover but severe cases take much longer.
Click here to find out how the infection spreads and how to prevent an outbreak !
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