Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection in horses caused by Streptococcus equi, characterized by fever, nasal discharge, and abscesses in the lymph nodes of the head and neck.

Strangles in Horses

This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly.

Strangles, caused by the Streptococcus Equi Subspecies Equi (S. equi) bacterium, is a highly contagious upper respiratory tract disease. It causes an infection in the lymph nodes, which swell and can eventually rupture. Uncomplicated strangles often leads to a full recovery, but complications bring a high fatality rate. It is common worldwide, infected horses should be quarantined.

Symptoms

  • Swollen Lymph Nodes
  • Abscess Formation
  • Fever
  • Lethargic
  • Coughing
  • Laboured Breathing
  • Nasal Discharge
  • Eye Discharge
  • Depressed
  • Dull
  • Difficulty Swallowing
  • Underweight
  • Weight loss
  • Low Appetite

Common in

  • Young Horses
  • Middle-aged Horses
  • New Horse/s at stable
  • Moved stables
  • Frequent Travelling

Treatment

Strangles often only requires rest, extra care, and sufficient food and water intake. The pain levels should be monitored closely, most horses will develop sufficient immunity against strangles that will last a lifetime. Some veterinarians will prescribe antibiotics to shorten the duration of the disease and prevent complications. Abscesses that have formed, can be flushed or treated with topical treatments. Before a vet declares the horse free from strangles, it should not be around other horses.

Prevention

Vaccination, limited exposure to unknown / new / large groups of horses and keeping a clean environment can all help in preventing strangles.

How Happie can help you manage your horse's health

Digital health management offers numerous benefits in modern equine healthcare.

With the Happie Horse App, you can track symptom patterns and body values, such as Temperature, Pulse and Respiration. Allowing you to notice abnormal changes in body and behaviour early on, leading to more successful treatments.

The Happie symptom checker allows you to add all of your horse's abnormal symptoms in order to present potential causes and diseases.

Google Play
App Store

Related articles

Cryptococcosis in horses is a fungal infection that affects the respiratory system and can spread to the central nervous system.
Respiratory

Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by

Equine Asthma (Heaves / COPD) in horses, also known as equine asthma syndrome, is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Diseases

Equine Asthma (Heaves / COPD)

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

Asthma in horses, also known as equine asthma syndrome, is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Bronchitis in horses is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to coughing, nasal discharge, and potentially impaired breathing
Respiratory

Equine Bronchitis

Equine Bronchitis Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease. Equine bronchitis, also known as inflammatory airway disease, is a