STRANGLES

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Causative Agent(s)

This is a contagious upper respiratory tract infectious disease of horses caused by a Gram- positive obligate bacterium, Streptococcus equi equi.

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

It is characterised by abscess of the lymphoid tissues manifesting as swollen submandibular lymph node to the point of cutting off the airway (strangles), very high fever, lethargy, and

mucopurulent nasal discharges. It is a condition with high morbidity but low mortality rate in susceptible populations. Transmission is through fomites and direct contact with infectious exudates.

Diagnostic Considerations

In addition to clinical signs, isolation, and identification of the causative organism from the guttural pouch lavage or nasopharyngeal wash samples for the purpose of optimising therapeutic efficacy, safety, as well as minimising the emergence of resistant Streptococcus equi equi. To confirm absence of infection, samples should be tested thrice, and each test must be done a week apart.

Management and Treatment

Affected horses should be isolated and samples collected for bacterial culture, isolation, and susceptibility test based on which treatment should be given. Even though the use of antibacterial drugs in the management of strangles is still debatable, they are indicated when fever with anorexia is prolonged and after the abscess has been formed. Antibacterial treatment at this late stage of the disease would ensure that the patient has developed a protective immunity against the disease thereby shortening the recovery period as well as preventing reinfection. It is imperative to note that a number of infected horses recover without antimicrobial therapy. However, the antibacterial agent of choice is procaine penicillin with a dosage regimen of 22,000 iu/kg, q12h x 4-5 days, IM.