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Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects the upper respiratory tract of horses and other equids. It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi). The disease gets its name from the characteristic swelling of the lymph nodes in the throat, which can cause respiratory obstruction and difficulty swallowing. While strangles typically resolves on its own and does not require treatment, it can occasionally lead to serious complications, including metastatic abscesses in other parts of the body. In rare cases, strangles can cause immune-mediated inflammation of the muscle, known as S. equi myositis, resulting in significant muscle wasting and increased muscle enzymes in the blood. This condition primarily affects Quarter Horses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) |
| Affects | Horses and other equids (including mules, donkeys, zebras) greater than 1 month of age and including all sexes and breeds |
| Symptoms | Swelling of the lymph nodes, lethargy, anorexia, fever, nasal discharge, abscess formation, difficulty swallowing, laboured breathing |
| Treatment | Rest and supportive care, antibiotics, hot packing, topical ichthammol treatment, flushing of abscesses with povidone-iodine solution |
| Prevention | Vaccination, quarantine, good hygiene, biosecurity plan |
| Prognosis | Good for uncomplicated cases, full recovery usually takes 3 to 6 weeks, 70-75% of infected horses develop immunity to S. equi that can last for at least 5 years |
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What You'll Learn
- Strangles is a bacterial disease affecting horses and other equids
- Streptococcus equi subspecies equi causes swollen lymph nodes and abscesses
- The prognosis for uncomplicated cases is good, with long-term immunity developing
- Strangles is treated with rest, antibiotics, and pain management
- Immune-mediated inflammation of the muscle causes significant muscle wasting
Strangles is a bacterial disease affecting horses and other equids
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects horses and other equids, including mules, donkeys, and zebras. It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi). The disease occurs worldwide and is the most common infectious agent identified in horses aged 6 to 10 years. Horses of all ages, breeds, health, and value can contract strangles.
Strangles is characterised by swelling of the lymph nodes and the formation of abscesses, primarily in the head and neck region. The swelling can be severe enough to obstruct the upper respiratory tract, affecting the horse's breathing and giving the disease its name. The incubation period for strangles is 3 to 8 days, after which clinical signs such as lethargy, anorexia, fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes may appear. The abrupt onset of fever is usually the first sign, followed by nasal discharge several days later. As the disease progresses, the swollen lymph nodes can cause respiratory distress, leading to laboured breathing and difficulty swallowing, resulting in a loss of appetite.
Horses become infected with S. equi through inhalation or ingestion of the bacterium. This can occur through direct horse-to-horse contact, such as touching noses, or indirectly by touching contaminated objects, surfaces, equipment, water, or people's hands and clothing. The bacterium can survive in the soil for 1 to 2 days under sunlight or up to 6 weeks in water. Once a horse is infected, S. equi enters the nose or mouth and travels to the back of the throat, where it infects the lymph nodes and causes abscesses that can rupture.
The prognosis for uncomplicated cases of strangles is generally good, with a full recovery expected within 3 to 6 weeks. About 70-75% of infected horses develop long-term immunity to S. equi, which can last for at least five years. Treatment for strangles typically involves rest and supportive care, with close monitoring to ensure pain management and adequate food and water intake. Antibiotics may be used to prevent the formation of abscesses and relieve airway obstruction, but their use is controversial due to potential alterations in the horse's post-infection immune response.
To prevent the spread of strangles, infected horses should be isolated immediately. Dedicated staff wearing protective clothing should handle them, and equipment and water sources should not be shared with healthy animals. Horse owners can also reduce the risk of strangles by vaccinating their horses against S. equi infection.
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Streptococcus equi subspecies equi causes swollen lymph nodes and abscesses
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease affecting horses and other equids, including mules, donkeys, and zebras. It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi). The disease gets its name from the fact that it causes swelling of the lymph nodes in the head and neck, which can obstruct the upper respiratory tract and lead to respiratory distress. This swelling is often accompanied by the formation of abscesses, which can rupture and drain through the skin or into the guttural pouches.
The Streptococcus equi subspecies equi bacterium enters the body through the oral or nasal cavities and subsequently infects the tonsillar epithelium. It then spreads to the local lymph nodes, causing them to become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation and swelling of the lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenitis, can lead to respiratory distress and difficulty swallowing, resulting in a loss of appetite.
The incubation period for strangles is 3 to 8 days, after which clinical signs such as lethargy, anorexia, fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes with abscess formation may appear. The abrupt onset of fever is usually the first sign of the disease, occurring 2 to 3 days after infection. Nasal discharge typically appears several days later, followed by swollen, painful lymph nodes approximately one week after infection.
The formation of abscesses typically occurs within 3 to 5 days of infection and is considered a hallmark of the disease. These abscesses can rupture and drain, leading to resolution of the infection. In some cases, the abscesses may rupture internally, causing serious complications such as septic shock.
The best strategy to prevent strangles is to minimize exposure risks and vaccinate horses against S. equi infection. Most horses with strangles do not require treatment, and approximately 70-75% of infected horses develop long-term immunity to the disease. However, antibiotics may be beneficial in preventing the formation of abscesses and relieving airway obstruction.
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The prognosis for uncomplicated cases is good, with long-term immunity developing
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects horses and other equids, including mules, donkeys, and zebras, over one month of age. It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) and is characterised by swelling of the lymph nodes and the formation of abscesses, primarily in the head and neck. The prognosis for uncomplicated cases of strangles is good, and the disease usually subsides on its own. Horses with uncomplicated strangles typically do not require treatment beyond rest, quarantine, and vigilant cleaning of the surrounding environment to prevent the bacterial infection from spreading to other horses.
The first signs of strangles usually appear after an incubation period of 3 to 8 days. These initial clinical signs include lethargy, anorexia, fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes with abscess formation. The abrupt onset of fever is usually the first sign of the disease, occurring 2 to 3 days after infection, followed by nasal discharge several days later. As the disease progresses, swollen lymph nodes can cause respiratory obstruction, resulting in laboured breathing and difficulty swallowing, which can further lead to a loss of appetite.
In uncomplicated cases, the prognosis for a full recovery is positive, typically taking 3 to 6 weeks. Approximately 70-75% of infected horses develop long-term immunity to S. equi that can last for at least five years. However, it is important to monitor horses closely during this period to ensure pain management and adequate consumption of food and water. Good nursing care is vital to keep the horse comfortable and ensure all its welfare needs are met.
To promote recovery and prevent the spread of the infection, it is essential to practice good hygiene and have a biosecurity plan in place. Quarantining new arrivals for at least three weeks and testing them for strangles before releasing them from quarantine can help prevent the introduction of the disease into a barn or stable. During an outbreak, it is recommended to separate vaccinated horses from non-vaccinated horses for 48 hours after vaccination. Additionally, vaccinated horses should not be vaccinated during an outbreak.
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Strangles is treated with rest, antibiotics, and pain management
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease affecting horses and other equids, including mules, donkeys, and zebras, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi). The disease gets its name from the swelling of the lymph nodes in the head and neck region, which can cause respiratory distress. While most cases of strangles are uncomplicated and have a good prognosis, some horses may develop severe complications, including muscle wasting.
The treatment for strangles typically involves rest, antibiotics, and pain management. Here's a detailed breakdown:
- Rest and Supportive Care: Horses with strangles require proper rest in a warm, dry stall with soft, moist, and palatable food that is easily accessible. Adequate nutrition and water intake are crucial for the horse's recovery.
- Pain Management: Strangles can cause significant pain due to swollen lymph nodes. Close monitoring and proper pain management are essential to ensure the horse's comfort. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce inflammation caused by S. equi.
- Antibiotics: The use of antibiotics in treating strangles is somewhat controversial. While most cases resolve with proper nursing care, antibiotics may be beneficial in specific situations. Antibiotics can help prevent the formation of abscesses, relieve airway obstruction, and shorten the course of the disease. However, their use may alter the horse's post-infection immune response, potentially increasing the risk of re-infection. Common antibiotics used include penicillin, ceftiofur, and ampicillin.
- Abscess Management: Lymph node abscesses may require hot packing or topical ichthammol treatment. Once the abscesses rupture, flushing with a povidone-iodine solution helps manage the infection.
- Prevention and Control: Quarantining new horses, screening for S. equi, and vaccination can help prevent and control the spread of strangles. Proper sanitation and disinfection of equipment and facilities are also crucial to prevent disease transmission.
While strangles typically affects the lymph nodes in the head and neck, in rare cases, it can lead to metastatic strangles or "bastard strangles," where abscesses occur in other parts of the body, including the muscle. This complication, known as S. equi myositis, can result in significant muscle wasting, increased muscle enzymes in the blood, and other severe symptoms. Therefore, prompt recognition and appropriate treatment of strangles are crucial to prevent potential complications, including muscle wasting.
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Immune-mediated inflammation of the muscle causes significant muscle wasting
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial disease that affects horses and other equids, including mules, donkeys, and zebras. It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi). The disease gets its name from the swelling of the lymph nodes under and around the throat, which can become severe enough to obstruct the airway. While strangles rarely leads to death, it can cause complications such as metastatic abscesses in other parts of the body.
In some cases, strangles can lead to immune-mediated inflammation of the muscle, known as S. equi myositis. This condition primarily affects Quarter Horses and results in significant muscle wasting and increased muscle enzymes in the blood. Myositis is a disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the muscles, causing chronic inflammation and muscle weakness. The inflammation caused by myositis can come and go over time, and while there is no cure, treatments are available to manage symptoms.
Myositis is characterised by inflammation of the muscles caused by white blood cells of the immune system, which mistakenly attack healthy muscle fibres. This can lead to muscle injury, fatigue, and weakness. The condition can affect various muscle groups throughout the body, including the arms, shoulders, legs, hips, abdomen, and spine. Myositis is typically diagnosed through a physical exam and tests, including blood tests, MRI, EMG, and muscle biopsy.
Treatment for myositis focuses on symptom management and includes medications such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Physical therapy and exercises, such as stretching, can also help strengthen the affected muscles and improve symptoms. While myositis can affect anyone, certain risk factors, including age, sex, and ethnicity, may increase the likelihood of developing the condition. People in their middle age, women, and individuals with Sub-Saharan African descent are at higher risk for myositis.
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Frequently asked questions
Strangles is a bacterial disease that affects horses and other equids, including mules, donkeys, and zebras. It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi.
The symptoms of strangles include lethargy, anorexia, fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes with abscess formation. The swollen lymph nodes can cause respiratory obstruction, leading to labored breathing and difficulty swallowing, which can result in a loss of appetite.
In most cases, strangles is treated with rest and supportive care. Horses are monitored closely to ensure pain management and adequate consumption of food and water. Antibiotics may also be used to prevent the formation of abscesses and relieve airway obstruction.
While strangles can cause significant muscle wasting in Quarter Horses, it is not a common cause of muscle wasting in other horses or equids. Muscle wasting is typically caused by advancing age, physical inactivity, malnutrition, or various nerve or muscle-related health conditions.
