Strangles is a highly contagious, bacterial disease that affects the lymph nodes of horses. It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi, which affects the upper respiratory tract of horses. It is an especially serious infection, as it can cause damage to the horse’s vital organs, and can even be fatal.
The most common signs of strangles include fever, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the head and neck area. The lymph nodes can become so swollen that they can cause difficulty in breathing.
How is Strangles Transmitted?
Strangles is a highly contagious disease, and is spread easily from horse to horse through direct contact, contaminated objects, and even through the air. It is important to be vigilant about hygiene and cleanliness when caring for horses, as it is easy to spread the disease this way.
Diagnosis of Strangles
If you suspect that your horse might have strangles, the best thing to do is to take them to the vet. The vet will take a sample of the nasal discharge to be tested for the presence of the Streptococcus equi bacteria. The vet may also take a blood sample to check for other infections.
Treatment of Strangles
Once the diagnosis of strangles has been made, the vet will prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat the infection. It is important to follow the vet’s instructions carefully, as a course of antibiotics is the only way to treat strangles.
How Long Does it Take for a Horse to Recover from Strangles?
The length of time it takes for a horse to recover from strangles varies from horse to horse. In general, it takes around 2-3 weeks for a horse to fully recover from the infection. This time period includes the time taken for the antibiotics to work, as well as the time it takes for the horse to recover from the effects of the infection.
Factors that Affect Recovery Time
There are several factors that can affect the length of time it takes for a horse to recover from strangles. These include:
- Age: Younger horses tend to recover quicker than older horses.
- Health: Horses that are in generally good health tend to recover quicker than horses that are not in good health.
- Severity of Infection: Horses with more severe infections will take longer to recover than horses with milder infections.
- Treatment: Horses that are treated promptly and properly tend to recover quicker than horses that are not treated properly.
Things to Do During Recovery
In order to help your horse recover as quickly as possible, there are a few things you can do. These include:
- Provide good nutrition – make sure your horse is getting enough vitamins and minerals to help them recover.
- Provide plenty of rest – give your horse plenty of time to rest and recover.
- Keep the environment clean – keep the environment your horse is in clean and free from any possible sources of infection.
- Monitor your horse – keep an eye on your horse, and contact your vet if you notice any changes in their condition.
Preventing Strangles
The best way to prevent strangles is to practice good hygiene and keep your horse’s environment clean. Make sure to wash your hands after handling your horse, and keep any possible sources of infection away from your horse. Vaccination against strangles is also available, and is a good way to protect your horse from the infection.
When to Call the Vet
If you notice any of the signs of strangles in your horse, it is important to call your vet as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to a successful recovery. It is also important to call your vet if your horse is not recovering as expected, or if their condition worsens.
Conclusion
Strangles is a serious infection, and it can take a horse 2-3 weeks to fully recover from the infection. However, this time period can be affected by a variety of factors, such as age, health, and severity of infection. It is important to practice good hygiene and keep your horse’s environment clean in order to prevent strangles. If you suspect your horse may have strangles, it is important to call your vet as soon as possible.