Introduction
Strangles is an infectious disease of horses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi. It is highly contagious, and can spread rapidly through a herd of horses. Strangles is most commonly seen in young horses, but can also affect adult horses. It is most commonly spread via direct contact between horses, but can also be spread through contaminated objects, food, and water. Strangles is a serious disease and can be fatal if not treated properly. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available to help horses recover from strangles.
What is Strangles?
Strangles is an infectious disease of horses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi. It is highly contagious, and can spread rapidly through a herd of horses. Strangles is most commonly seen in young horses, but can also affect adult horses.
Symptoms of Strangles
The most common symptoms of strangles in horses are fever, loss of appetite, depression, swollen lymph nodes and abscesses. Other signs of strangles can include nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, and coughing. The abscesses associated with strangles can be very painful and can cause great distress to the horse.
Diagnosis of Strangles
Strangles is usually diagnosed based on the presence of clinical signs, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, abscesses, and nasal discharge. Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and nasal swab tests, can also be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Strangles
The key to successfully treating strangles is to catch the disease in its early stages and to start treatment as soon as possible. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, supportive care, and quarantine to prevent the spread of the disease.
Antibiotics for Strangles
Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for strangles. The most commonly used antibiotics for strangles include penicillin, tetracyclines, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones. The type and duration of treatment will vary depending on the severity of the infection and the horse’s response to treatment.
Penicillin
Penicillin is the most commonly used antibiotic for treating strangles. It is effective against the bacteria that causes strangles, and is usually given as an intramuscular injection or intravenous infusion. Penicillin is usually given for a minimum of 7-10 days, although longer courses may be necessary for some cases.
Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines are antibiotics that are also effective against the bacteria that causes strangles. They are usually given as an oral or injectable form, although some formulations can be given as a topical cream. Tetracyclines are usually given for a minimum of 7-10 days, although longer courses may be necessary for some cases.
Macrolides
Macrolides are a class of antibiotics that are effective against the bacteria that causes strangles. They are usually given as an oral or injectable form, although some formulations can be given as a topical cream. Macrolides are usually given for a minimum of 7-10 days, although longer courses may be necessary for some cases.
Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones are a class of antibiotics that are effective against the bacteria that causes strangles. They are usually given as an oral or injectable form. Fluoroquinolones are usually given for a minimum of 7-10 days, although longer courses may be necessary for some cases.
Conclusion
Strangles is an infectious disease of horses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi. It is highly contagious, and can spread rapidly through a herd of horses. The most common symptoms of strangles in horses are fever, loss of appetite, depression, swollen lymph nodes and abscesses. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, supportive care, and quarantine to prevent the spread of the disease. The most commonly used antibiotics for strangles include penicillin, tetracyclines, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible in order to ensure the best chance of recovery.