What Is Strangles in Horses? What Are the Signs?
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects horses worldwide. One study from the Georgia Department of Agriculture suggests that the infection rate of equine strangles can be up to 100% in close-knit herds, while the mortality rate is less than 10% thanks to advancements in equine medical care. “Younger horses, unvaccinated horses, and those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to the disease,” says Selena Young, DVM, at Cleary Lake Veterinary Hospital in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Strangles can also spread very quickly in areas where there are high horse densities. This includes horse shows, auctions, and large boarding facilities. Emma Bliss, DVM, a mixed animal veterinary practitioner, warns that strangles “can also manifest into other syndromes like ‘bastard strangles’ that affect the lymph nodes throughout the body. [This is] where the immune system becomes aggravated and [lymph nodes] swell up in various places around the body.”,Strangles in horses is a highly contagious infection that requires quick action from horse owners if symptoms are noticed. Strangles is a reportable disease, which means any case must be reported to the state veterinarian and the horse must be quarantined. It’s important to understand what causes strangles in horses, the signs to look for, and how to help your equine companion start feeling better.
