May 2012

Changing Fates and Changing lives

From: www.thehorse.com

Prevention and Management to Protect Against Strangles

by: University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine

April 24 2012, Article # 19934

In late March, an outbreak of strangles closed the Saratoga Casino and Raceway in upstate New York for three

weeks. As spring competition season approaches, it is important to remember that strangles is a highly infectious

disease that can have severe consequences for horses. Understanding what it is, how it is spread, and treatment

options can prove to be a lifesaver for your horse.

What is it?

Strangles, explains University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Assistant Professor of Medicine Ashley G. Boyle, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi subsp, equi. It can cause severe swelling of the lymph nodes around the throat, making it difficult for a horse to breathe; hence the name,

strangles.

Boyle, who works at Penn Vet's New Bolton Center in the Section of Field Service, says that strangles should be strongly suspected if a horse suddenly develops a high fever--sometimes higher than 103°F (about 39°C)--and appears lethargic or depressed. After the onset of a fever, nasal discharge is typical and the lymph nodes in the neck and under the jaw can enlarge. If abscesses develop in the lymph nodes, the airway will narrow, making breathing noisy and swallowing difficult. Affected horses sometimes hold their neck out straight looking for relief.

In horses under the age of five (who have yet to develop normal immunity), horses older than 20, or immune-compromised horses, the signs of strangles will be more pronounced.

In some cases--as many as 20% says Boyle--S. equi spreads through the blood or lymphatic system, resulting in abscesses that can affect any organ system. "Bastard strangles," as this condition is known, can appear like colic,

even many months after the initial strangles exposure.

In other cases, a mild to life-threatening autoimmune reaction to the bacteria known as purpura hemorrhagica can occur in mature horses after repeated natural exposure to infection.

How did this happen?

Strangles is spread when one horse passes the bacteria to another through close proximity or contact. Equipment such as water buckets, feed buckets, tack, and twitches--even clothing and equipment--can also be vehicles for

passing bacteria, which, particularly in moist environments, can persist for extended periods. "The bacterium,"

explains Boyle, "attaches to the tonsils, and signs of the illness develop three to 14 days after exposure."

A horse that has strangles will begin to shed the bacteria after the fever, and for up to six weeks. Outwardly healthy horses, showing no sign of infection, can also be carriers silently shedding bacteria. It's one of the dan-gers with this disease. On a more positive note, 75% of horses that have been infected with S. equi subsp. equi and have not been vaccinated for strangles will be immune to the illness for up to five years.

Is it strangles?

Early diagnosis is essential for containing this highly infectious disease. Results of bacterial culture of abscess fluid and nasopharyngeal swabs/washes can be read in 24 hours. Even faster is a PCR (polymerase chain reac-

tion), which can detect the DNA of the offending organism with same-day results.

If a horse is suspected of carrying the bacterium, an endoscopic examination of the guttural pouches (air-filled pockets on either side of the back of the throat) as well as culture and PCR testing of guttural pouch fluid can determine if the bacteria are present.

Examination of serum from a blood test is useful for detecting recent, but not current, infection; assessing the need for vaccination; identifying horses that could be predisposed to purpura hemorrhagica; and diagnosing S. equi subsp. equi-associated purpura hemorrhagica and bastard strangles.

Treatment

The goal of treating strangles is three-fold: to control transmission, eliminate infection, and provide future im-munity to the disease. Uncomplicated cases of strangles are often left to run their course with supportive care, providing lasting immunity. Affected horses should be isolated in a clean, dry stall and fed moist, palatable food. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can be used to decrease swelling and promote eating. Hot compresses

or topical 20% ichthammol can be used on abscesses. Your vet may choose to lance abscesses to allow drain-

age, followed by daily flushing with a dilute iodine solution.

"The use of antimicrobials for treating strangles is controversial," says Boyle. "During the acute phase of fever and depression they may prevent abscess formation, but they will also prevent the development of lasting im-munity."

In certain cases, however, it is necessary. "Horses with complications such as lack of response to supportive therapies, metastatic disease or purpura require the use of systemic antimicrobials for extended periods. Peni-cillin is the preferred antimicrobial." Horses with severely enlarged lymph nodes and difficulty breathing, she adds, often require emergency surgery to cut a hole in the trachea to free the horse's airway; cases of purpura hemorrhagica also require the use of systemic corticosteroids.

With strangles, pus tends to accumulate in the guttural pouch, and will need to be removed with special equip-ment, followed with local application of penicillin gel. If not, pus will dry in to rock-hard pebbles that could re-

quire surgery to remove.

443-523-7582

We are looking for a Volunteer Coordinator: With everyone having families, regular jobs and

outside of the rescue responsibilities, we just don’t have the time needed to organize and make

the best use of our volunteers. The idea person will be horse savvy, well organized, the ability to

manage people and understand the importance of safety. Must to it for the love of the ani-

mal. We DO NOT have any paid positions. If you are interested, please

email cferdelaware@aol.com for an interview.

May 19th 10:00-2:00

Equus Silk Stables 34905 Gordy Road Laurel, DE

Jessica Morton from Southern States will be discussing nutrition.

We will also have famous Arthur of Relentless P.J. O’Dwyer

there to Autograph Books (for more info on P.J. visit our web site).

Krystin Dennis-Equine Dentist will be discussing your horses teeth

Kirsten Willey, Natural horsemanship trainer will also be there.

We are waiting on the confirmation of two additional speakers and then we will put out the schedule. Keep an eye on our web page

for more information as it becomes available.

SHOULD BE A GREAT TIME!!!!

www.changingfates.rescuegroups.org

Horses looking for a SPONSORSPONSORSPONSOR:

.Changing Fates Equine Rescue of Del-

aware, Inc. is a 501 © 3 equine rescue

dedicated to locating abused and ne-

glected equines and rescuing, rehabili-

tating, retraining and rehoming these

equines. It is also our mission to provide

a sanctuary for those horses that are

not suitable for adoption.

Changing Fates Equine Rescue of Delaware, Inc.

29573 West Elliott’s Dam Road

Laurel, DE 19956

www.changingfates.rescuegroups.org

302-344-2002 Karen/410-858-7058 Robin

443-521-0475

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