1. Introduction
Strangles is an upper respiratory tract infection of horses that is highly contagious. The disease is caused by the bacterium *Streptococcus equi* subsp. *equi*. The disease is called strangles because of the extreme swelling of the lymph nodes in the throat area that can literally strangle the horse.
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Clinical manifestation of Strangles (Streptococcus equi) in horses, showing characteristic lymph node swelling and purulent nasal discharge. Early diagnosis of these anatomical landmarks is vital for equine biosecurity. | Image: VetInsight PK
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2. Transmission
The disease is transmitted quickly via:
Direct Contact:
Infected horses transmit the disease to other horses by nose-to-nose contact.
Indirect Contact:
Infected horses transmit the disease via the sharing of water containers, grooming equipment, and even the hands or clothing of the horse owner.
Shedding:
Infected horses transmit the disease even after showing signs of wellness.
3. Clinical Signs
High Fever:
The first sign of the disease.
Nasal Discharge:
Infected horses display yellow-white (purulent) discharge from both nostrils.
Abscessation:
Infected horses display swollen submandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes that rupture.
Difficulty Swallowing:
Infected horses display difficulty in swallowing because of the pain in the throat.
4. Complications: "Bastard Strangles"
In some cases, the disease is transmitted to other parts of the body via the blood. Infected horses display signs of infection in the lungs, liver, or brain. The disease is called "Bastard Strangles" because of its life-threat
5. Diagnosis and Management
| Action Step |
Protocol |
| Diagnosis |
Nasal swabs or abscess pus for PCR and Culture. |
| Isolation |
Immediate quarantine for at least 3-4 weeks. |
| Treatment |
Hot compresses on abscesses; Antibiotics (Penicillin) in severe cases. |
6. Treatment and Therapeutic Management
The management of Strangles depends on the stage of the disease and severity of signs.
A. Supportive Care (Primary Treatment) Rest and Nursing:
The horse should be provided a warm, dry, and dust-free stall.
Feeding:
Soft, moist, and palatable feed, such as soaked hay, should be given because swallowing hurts. The feed should be placed in a position where the horse can lower its head to assist in drainage.
Hydration:
Constant availability of water should be ensured.
B. Abscess Management
Hot Compresses:
Hot packs should be placed on swollen lymph nodes 2-3 times a day to assist in "ripening" of abscesses.
Lancing (Surgical Drainage): Once the abscess has become soft or fluctuant, a veterinarian can drain the pus.
Flushing: After lancing, a solution of Povidone-iodine (Pyodine) or 3% Hydrogen Peroxide should be used to flush out the abscess.
C. Antibiotic Therapy (Controversial but Necessary)
Early Stage:
If a horse has a high fever but has not yet developed abscesses, Penicillin should be used.
Severe Cases:
If a horse has difficulty breathing or Bastard Strangles, in which internal abscesses develop, antibiotic therapy is a must.
Note: Some veterinarians do not use antibiotics if abscesses have already formed, as antibiotics will delay rupture of abscesses.
D. NSAIDs (Pain Relief)
Phenylbutazone (Bute) or Flunixin Meglumine (Banamine) should be given to reduce fever and relieve pain from swollen lymph nodes.
7. Post-Infection Protocol (The "Carrier" State)
Even though the horse looks perfectly normal, it can still carry bacteria in its Guttural Pouches for months.
Guttural Pouch Lavage:
Use an endoscope to check for "Chondroids" (hardened pus balls).
Testing:
Three consecutive negative nasal swabs, one week apart, are necessary to release a horse from quConclusio
Conclusion
Strangles is a nightmare for stable managers. Eradication of the disease requires strict biosecurity, identifying "silent carriers," and making sure no horse leaves the quarantine area unless it tests negative after three consecutive swabs of the nose.
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