How can horses get strangles

This condition causes bleeding from the capillaries and fluid accumulation oedema in and around the limbs and the head. This accumulation of fluid can become so severe that there is circulatory collapse and death. Sometimes Strangles can be diagnosed on clinical signs alone but often your vet will take a nasopharyngeal swab for confirmation of the disease. Alternatively your vet may take a blood test from your horse which can help to identify not only infected horses but also carriers and those that have previously been exposed.

Another method of diagnosis is guttural pouch endoscopy, during which the inside of the guttural pouch can be visualised and samples can be taken for testing. Your vet will advise you on the most appropriate method of diagnosis for your horse as this depends upon the individual case.

The mainstay of treatment for Strangles is supportive care. This involves treatment such as anti-inflammatory medication in order to treat the raised temperature and make horses feel well enough to eat.

Feeding wet, sloppy food from the floor also makes it easier for infected horses to swallow and encourages the abscesses to drain. Hot compressing of the abscesses will also help to bring them to the surface, allowing them to rupture. Very occasionally vets will treat infected horses with a course of antibiotics but this depends on the individual case.

If you do notice your horse is showing mild signs it is always sensible to isolate them as a precaution and contact your vet for advice. It normally takes days after the horse has been in contact with the strangles bacteria for signs to develop incubation period. However, there have been times where it has taken up to 28 days. An increased temperature above This provides an opportunity to immediately isolate the horse and help prevent the spread of disease.

Learn how to take a horse's temperature here. The Strategy to eradicate and prevent Strangles STEPS which is available to download see below provides in-depth guidance on what action to take if you suspect an outbreak, including a traffic light system for the grouping of horses. Some key points are:. Treatment of strangles is decided on a case-by-case basis and usually depends on the stage of the disease and how severe the signs are. The main treatment for strangles is often to nurse the horse with supportive care and potentially medication depending on what the vet advises is best.

In circumstances where multiple vet practices are involved e. Most horses recover from strangles in weeks, but in some cases can take longer. However, it is extremely important to note that a horse that has had strangles, but is no longer showing any signs, should not be automatically thought of as free from the disease and removed from isolation.

This is because the horse may still be able to spread the bacteria to others for around 6 weeks, sometimes potentially longer, after all other signs have stopped. Barn Dogs. Ride along with a veterinarian. Basic training with David O'Connor. Beyond the Saddle Podcast. The Jurga Report. Equine Disease Alerts.

Properties for Sale. Our Sister Sites. American Cowboy. Dressage Today. Practical Horseman. The Team Roping Journal. Stable Management. The Trail Rider. Equine Network Store. A Home for Every Horse. Hope in the Saddle. World Series of Team Roping. Myth 1: S. Myth 3: Antibiotics are a Must Not really, says Waldridge. Myth 4: Vaccinate to be Safe Strangles vaccination has a spotty history of safety and effectiveness, and even with the introduction of better formulated, more targeted products, horse owners are still faced with a risk-benefit decision.

Two Massachusetts horses test positive for strangles. Identifying 'silent' strangles carriers. When to worry about coughing in horses. When to worry about fever. Simple ways to prevent strangles. Fifty Florida horses exposed to strangles in the month of January. Learning About EEE. Sign Up For Our Newsletter. But are you familiar with how to spot less-obvious symptoms, treat, and prevent the spread of strangles?

The following are seven facts you may not know about Streptococcus equi equi. Though strangles is endemic and highly contagious, practicing good hygiene and having a biosecurity plan in place ahead of time can help the spread of the infection. If you think your horse may be exhibiting symptoms of strangles, contact your veterinarian immediately to develop a plan for isolation, testing, and treatment.