In some cases, the abscess can be surgically drained by a veterinarian. We usually don’t treat classic strangles with antibiotic drugs. Administering antibiotics will slow the maturation of the abscesses, and if the abscesses don’t drain, it can be hard for the horse to recover.
Full Answer
How to treat strangles in horses?
Quick facts 1 Strangles is a highly contagious infection that causes fever, nasal discharge and abscesses near swollen lymph nodes. 2 Hot packs can help the abscesses mature before opening and flushing them out. 3 Horses that struggle to breathe may need antibiotics or hospital care. More items...
What causes Streptococcus equissp strangles in horses?
Strangles in horses can be caused by vaccination with Pinnacle I. N. Vaccine2015;33:3440–3443. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] 46. Livengood JL, Lanka S, Maddox C, Tewari D. Detection and differentiation of wild‐type and a vaccine strain of Streptococcus equissp. equiusing pyrosequencing.
What is the official name of the causative agent for equine strangles?
Although the official name of the causative agent is S. equisubsp. equi,we have decided to use the descriptive term S. equithroughout the consensus statement based on its widespread usage in the scientific literature. Strangles is a costly, worldwide, highly infectious upper respiratory disease of the equine.
What are the complications of strangles (Streptococcus equi)?
Serious complications/sequelae ('bastard strangles', purpura hemorrhagica Purpura hemorrhagica and guttural pouch empyema Guttural pouch: empyema) are rare but in some outbreaks may occur in up to 20% of cases. Print off the Owner factsheet on Strangles (Streptococcus equi infection) to give to your clients.
Should you give antibiotics for strangles?
Antibiotic treatment may include penicillin, ceftiofur, or ampicillin. The appropriate use of antibiotics may shorten the course of the disease and prevent complications.
What is the main and fatal complication of strangles?
Guttural pouch empyema is one of the most common complications of strangles, and results from extension of infection into one or both guttural pouches. Typically both guttural pouches will be affected but occasionally it is unilateral.
What is the treatment for strangles?
The best treatment at this point is to flush the drainage site, keep the area as clean as possible, and to maintain strict isolation of the ill horse. If your horse was stabled near one who had strangles at a show or rodeo, it is reasonable to treat it with antibiotics for at least six days after exposure.
What are the complications associated with equine strangles?
Complications include secondary cellulitis at external abscessation sites, guttural pouch empyema and its persistence into the carrier state, purpura haemorrhagica, metastatic abscessation, emergency tracheostomies and rarely secondary S. equi pneumonia or myositis.
Can horses get strangles twice?
Can A Horse Get Strangles More Than Once? Yes, but this is uncommon. About 75% of horses that get strangles will also develop a very strong immune response against S. equi, making them immune to reinfection for a long time, if not for the rest of their lives.
Can antibiotics cause colic in horses?
Some antibiotics can cause the disruption of the hindgut microflora, which permits proliferation of pathogenic microbes and resulting colitis or “colic”.
How effective is the strangles vaccine for horses?
The intranasal vaccine is more effective and probably safer with regard to risk of purpura. The intramuscular vaccine only reduces disease outbreaks by about 50%, while the intranasal one seems to perform much better (due to the fact that it stimulates immunity right where the bacteria enter the horse- the nostrils!).
What is the incubation period for strangles in horses?
The incubation period can be as short as four days to five days or as long as two weeks after exposure. Incubation depends on climatic conditions and overcrowding of animals. Incubating or recovered (but shedding) equines attending shows and sales, are frequent sources of infection.
How long does it take for strangles to go away?
Most animals fully recover from strangles in two to four weeks. Although enduring immunity against re-infection is variable, in some equids it can last for years.
What is the name for a complication of equine strangles when horses get an immune mediated necrotizing vasculitis?
Purpura hemorrhagica is perhaps the most dramatic non-respiratory complication of strangles. This immune- mediated sequela is a necrotizing vasculitis characterized by edema and localized hemorrhage caused by deposition of S.
Can humans get equine strangles?
Though these bacteria are genetically similar and cause upper respiratory symptoms in both species, horses with strangles cannot infect humans, and humans with strep throat cannot infect horses. “Strangles is spread via respiratory secretions from infected horses,” Easterwood said.
Can strangles be passed on clothing?
Strangles bacteria spread most easily through direct contact between horse, but can also be passed on indirectly via surfaces, equipment, water and people's hands and clothing.
How do you know if you have strangles on horses?
Historically, strangles got its name as affected horses were sometimes suffocated from large, infected lymph nodes that obstructed their upper airway or trachea. The hallmark clinical signs of infection are fever (temperature >101.5ºF), nasal discharge, and enlarged submandibular lymph nodes (in the space between the lower jaw bones), which ultimately abscess. Purulent nasal discharge is typically present, although it may initially be clear. The retropharyngeal lymph nodes (located deep behind the throatlatch) may also become enlarged and abscess. These will sometimes drain into the guttural pouches, which are air-filled spaces within the head that are an expansion of the Eustachian tubes. Guttural pouch infection and pus accumulation (empyema) are often the result of retropharyngeal lymph nodes that abscess and rupture into the guttural pouches. Guttural pouch infection may also occur from bacterial entrance through the pharynx (throat). Anorexia, depression and difficulty swallowing may also accompany signs of infection.
How to diagnose strangles?
Clinical signs of strangles are highly suggestive of the diagnosis. There are three methods to confirm the diagnosis of strangles: 1 Culture of the bacteria from the nasal discharge or abscess 2 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that detects DNA of the S. equi bacteria 3 Blood test (serology) that measures a titer to a specific protein (SeM) of S. equi.
What is the largest source of infection in horses?
Nasal discharge from the infected horse is the largest source of contamination. Sources of infection can be nose to nose contact with an infected horse, sharing contaminated water buckets, feed tubs, twitches, tack and clothing and equipment of handlers who work with infected horses.
How to prevent S. equi?
Vaccination is one method for prevention and control of infection with S. equi. However, vaccination cannot guarantee disease prevention. With strangles, vaccination will likely reduce the severity of disease in the majority of horses that are infected. Available vaccines can be administered by intramuscular and intranasal routes. Improper administration of the vaccination can result in poor protection against infection and/or complications at the site of injection; therefore, administration by your veterinarian is recommended. The intranasal vaccination results in the best local immunity.
Can antibiotics be used for strangles?
Complicated cases and those requiring tracheostomy for management of respiratory distress generally do require antibiotic and other supportive therapies. There is some evidence that treatment with antibiotics (s uch as penicillin) at the first sign of fever and in horses with no lymph node enlargement may prevent infection. However, early antibiotic treatment will also prevent these cases from developing immunity to the infection, and subsequently makes them susceptible to reinfection sooner.
What are the signs of a horse having a strangle?
Any horse that shows suspicious signs of illness (high temperature, nasal discharge, difficulty in swallowing, swollen throat or glands) should be isolated until strangles is confirmed or ruled out by veterinary examinations and laboratory investigations. Any horse that has strangles should be immediately isolated from all other horses.
What is a strangle?
What is strangles? Strangles is an infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus equi . It is highly contagious and the infection can be spread by horse-to-horse contact or by humans, tack, drinking troughs and other environmental factors.
How to treat a swollen gland?
Recommended treatments include application of hot towels to the swollen glands to encourage abscesses to burst or to grow to a size and maturity that allows them to be safely and successfully lanced. Once open, the abscess cavities should be flushed with dilute povidone-iodine solutions and allowed to heal naturally.
How often should I give S. equi?
More recently an attenuated live strain of S. equi has been used in an intranasal vaccine. Initially two doses at 2-3 week intervals are administered then annual boosters are recommended. This vaccine should not be administered during an outbreak except to horses with no known contact.
Why do horses need to be euthanized?
Many horses loose weight and often require euthanasia on humane grounds with colic, respiratory distress or other complicating illnesses associated with peritonitis, pleuritis and/or multifocal organ damage. Occasionally a horse becomes a symptomless carrier and this has been discussed above.
Why does my horse's nose poke forward?
This is followed by swelling of the lymph nodes (glands) under the jaw and in the throat and the horse may hold his head low with his nose poked forwards to relieve discomfort and to aid respiration. There is usually a thin watery nasal discharge that soon becomes thick and yellow.
Can a horse die from a strangle?
This is something else that should be discussed with your veterinarian. Strangles is rarely fatal but deaths can occur.
What is a strangle in horses?
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper airway in horses. Strangles can cause the lymph nodes to block the upper airway. Veterinarians can diagnose strangles by taking a swab.
How to keep horses from strangling?
Thoroughly disinfect equipment, stables, fences, trailers, etc. Use a phenolic disinfectant. Change your clothes and wash your hands before coming in contact with healthy horses. Ideally, isolate new horses for two to three weeks. Check their temperatures regularly and watch for any signs of strangles. If signs occur, have a veterinarian take ...
What is a hot pack for horses?
Strangles is a highly contagious infection that causes fever, nasal discharge and abscesses near swollen lymph nodes. Hot packs can help the abscesses mature before opening and flushing them out. Horses that struggle to breathe may need antibiotics or hospital care. To prevent disease spread, isolate sick horses and refrain from sharing equipment ...
What happens if a horse has a swollen throat?
A few days after onset, the horse will develop painful swelling of the lymph nodes. This swelling produces abscesses that will rupture and discharge pus. More serious cases arise when horses have lymph node swelling in the throatlatch area.
How to heal abscesses on horses?
This will help the abscesses mature so they can be safely opened. Once opened, flush the inside of the abscess with dilute povidone-iodine solutions until they heal. Horses usually recover fully after the abscesses open.
Why do horses refuse to eat?
These horses often refuse to eat due to pain. They may stand with their head and nose stretched out to help them breathe. Horses that are struggling to breathe need veterinary care right away. Some horses carry strangles but don’t show symptoms.
Can horses get strangles?
Horses that haven’t been exposed to the bacteria in recent years are more prone to strangles. Intramuscular and intranasal vaccines are available for horses. These vaccines decrease the severity of strangles symptoms but don’t completely prevent the disease.
How do you know if you have strangles on horses?
Historically, strangles got its name because affected horses were sometimes suffocated from large, infected lymph nodes that obstructed their upper airway or trachea. The hallmark clinical signs of infection are fever (temperature >101.5ºF), nasal discharge, and enlarged submandibular lymph nodes (in the space between the lower jaw bones) which ultimately abscess. Purulent nasal discharge is typically present, although it may initially be clear. The retropharyngeal lymph nodes, which are behind the throatlatch, may also become enlarged and abscess. These will sometimes drain into the guttural pouches, which are air-filled spaces within the head that are an expansion of the Eustachian tubes. Guttural pouch infection and pus accumulation (empyema) are often the result of retrophayngeal lymph nodes that abscess and rupture into the guttural pouches. Guttural pouch infection may also occur from bacterial entrance through the pharynx (throat). Anorexia, depression, and difficulty swallowing may also accompany signs of infection.
How to prevent S Equi?
Vaccination is one method for prevention and control of infection with S. equi. However, vaccination cannot guarantee disease prevention. With strangles, vaccination will most likely reduce the severity of disease in the majority of horses infected after they are vaccinated. Available vaccines can be administered by intramuscular and intranasal routes. Improper administration of the vaccination can result in poor protection against infection and/or complications at the site of injection; therefore, administration by your veterinarian is recommended. The intranasal vaccination results in the best local immunity.
Can strangles kill horses?
Fortunately, although strangles is highly contagious and can affect many horses on a farm, most horses with infection recover without complication. The occurrence of complications will increase the likelihood of death from the infection (from 8% to 40% of cases). Complications from
Do antibiotics help with strangles?
Antibiotic therapy for the treatment of strangles remains controversial. Uncomplicated cases of submandibular lymph node abscessation do not require antibiotic therapy in this author's opinion. Complicated cases and those requiring tracheostomy for management of respiratory distress generally do require antibiotic and other supportive therapies. There is some evidence that treatment with antibiotics (such as penicillin) at the first sign of fever and in horses with no lymph node enlargement may prevent infection. However, early antibiotic treatment will also prevent these cases from developing immunity to the infection, and subsequently makes them susceptible to reinfection earlier.
What happens if a horse is not responding to antibiotics?
If your veterinarian sees that the horse is not responding as he should be, the vet will switch to a different antibiotic. The most serious type of antibiotic resistance occurs if the horse becomes infected with a "super bug," a bacterial strain with resistance to most, and in rare cases, all, available antibiotics.
What antibiotics are used for horses?
Antibiotics Used for Horses. Oral antibiotics routinely used in adult horses (except for some EPM drugs that only kill protozoa) are doxycycline and combinations of trimethoprim and a sulfa drug. Other types of oral antibiotics carry a higher risk of causing colic, severe diarrhea, and even death.
How to choose an antibiotic?
The best way to choose an antibiotic is to culture the infected area, grow the bacteria in a laboratory, then test the ability of several antibiotics to kill them.
What is the term for antibiotics that kill bacteria?
ico_close. Antibiotics that kill bacteria are termed bacteriocidal. Those that only inhibit the growth of these microbials are called bacteriostatic. Both can be effective, but as a rule the bacteriocidal drugs work more quickly and need to be given for shorter time periods than the bacteriostatic antibiotics.
Why are antibiotics being phased out?
Use of antibiotics in food-producing animals is being phased out to prevent manure from those animals encouraging resistant bacterial strains in the environment. Veterinarians and physicians are also more aware of how we need to use antibiotics responsibly. pinterest-pin-it. Antibiotics Used for Horses.
What is the treatment for infection in the lower leg and feet?
Infections in the lower leg and feet are sometimes treated by "regional limb perfusion.". In these cases, a tourniquet is used to isolate the infected area and blood vessels supplying it are injected with antibiotics in high concentration.
What class of drugs are antibiotics?
Antibiotics belong to the class of drugs called antimicrobials, which also includes agents that can kill viruses, protozoa, and fungi. Antibiotics either directly kill bacteria or they inhibit their growth and multiplication. ADVERTISEMENT. ico_unmute.
What Is Strangles?
Signs of Illness
- Early signs 1. Fever, temperature above 102 F 2. Depression 3. Nasal discharge which starts clear and becomes thick and yellow A few days after onset, the horse will develop painful swelling of the lymph nodes. This swelling produces abscesses that will rupture and discharge pus. More serious cases arise when horses have lymph node swelling in the throatlatch area. These horse…
Treatment
- Veterinarians usually recommend applying hot packs to the lower jaw. This will help the abscesses mature so they can be safely opened. Once opened, flush the inside of the abscess with dilute povidone-iodine solutions until they heal. Horses usually recover fully after the abscesses open. Many veterinarians refrain from using antibiotics for uncomplicated cases. Ant…
Preventing Disease Spread
- How strangles spreads
1. Horse-to-horse contact 2. Contact with contaminated people, tack, drinking troughs, etc. - What to do if strangles occurs
1. Isolate all the horses with symptoms to one area. 2. Use separate tools and grooming equipment in the isolation area. 3. Completely clean all feed, manure and bedding from contaminated areas. Keep these materials away from healthy horses. 4. Thoroughly disinfect eq…
Vaccines
- Horses that haven’t been exposed to the bacteria in recent years are more prone to strangles. Intramuscular and intranasal vaccines are available for horses. These vaccines decrease the severity of strangles symptoms but don’t completely prevent the disease.