strangles | Horse Racing Free Tips

Too Much Of A Good Thing: Can A Horse Be Vaccinated Too Often?

When preparing for vaccinations, it's helpful to know what a horse has been vaccinated for in the past. If a horse's vaccination history is unknown, it's best to assume that he has not received any vaccinations at all and use the protocols designed for unvaccinated horses, which might include boosters of some vaccinations. Additional doses of most vaccinations will not harm a horse, reports EQUUS magazine.

The strangles vaccine is the one exception: it should not be given if a horse's vaccination history is unknown. In rare cases, horses that have had strangles before and those that have been repeatedly vaccinated for the disease may have a serious complication called purpura hemorrhagica if they are vaccinated again, according to Dr. David Horohov of the Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center in Lexington, Ky.

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Purpura hemorrhagica is an immune reaction that causes the blood vessels in the head, legs, and abdomen to swell. This condition is painful for the horse as circulation is impaired. Horses with purpura hemorrhagica can be very depressed and it can take a long time for the swelling to abate. Purpura hemorrhagica can be fatal if it isn't treated effectively or in a timely manner.

Though the risk of purpura hemorrhagica is small, it's best to pull a strangles titer on a horse with an unknown history. The titer will show if a horse carries antibodies to Streptococcus equi. If he does show titers, he doesn't need to be vaccinated again.

Strangles: A Worldwide Problem That Researchers Say Needs Better Monitoring

One of the more common equine respiratory diseases is strangles, a contagious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi. Most horses recover from strangles with no complications, though the disease can make some horses very sick. Ten percent of horses remain carriers once they are infected, meaning they don't show clinical signs, but they can spread the disease.

Because of the potential significant health and welfare consequences – and the economic costs associated with the disease – finding additional information about the strangles is crucial.

Dr. Catriona Mitchell and colleagues from 18 countries used DNA sequencing techniques to analyze 670 Streptococcus equi isolates from 19 countries. The researchers found different variants of the disease. Strangles in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Argentina are closely linked. The research team determined that the movement of horses and global trade help spread the disease.

The team suggests that labs utilize an online surveillance platform called Pathogenwatch to monitor the emergence and spread of new strains of strangles. This will assist with interventions and policy-making decisions.

The authors suggest that strangles be recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as an internationally important disease. They also suggest that identifying horses that are infected with strangles before or immediately after travel would limit the movement of the disease.

Read the full article here.

Dispelling Myths About Strangles

Affected horses may have a fever, get a snotty nose and feel poorly. Horses with strangles develop swollen, sore lymph nodes, particularly under their jaw. These abscesses eventually open and drain pus, Antibiotics are not necessary in most cases.

Horse Illustrated reports that there is a lot of misinformation surrounding the common and highly transmissible illness.

Some of the most common misconceptions about strangles include misunderstandings about how the disease spreads and how protect against it. Strangles is not spread through respiratory droplets in the air, but rather contact between horses or fomites — contaminated objects like buckets or halters. It also doesn't survive well in an outdoor environment or in soil. While there are vaccinations available for strangles, they may not be effective. Owners should consult a veterinarian for vaccine guidance.

Runny Nose: Nuisance Or Something More Serious?

With the rise in cases of both equine herpes virus and strangles in horses in the United States, horse owners and caretakers have every right to be on high alert to any changes in a horse's health or demeanor. Though some symptoms are always a red flag — like a horse who's unsteady on his feet — some symptoms can be caused by something far less sinister than an equine illness.

A horse with a runny nose is always something to note, but a bit more work may be required to determine its cause.

Look closely at discharge color, odor, quantity and consistency, as well as if there is anything in the discharge like dirt, debris or feed. Notice if the discharge is coming from one nostril or two, as well as the horse's demeanor. A check of his vital signs is in order.

If the horse's nasal discharge is clear and thin, and he's bright and acting normally, he most likely inhaled some dust or hay and has irritated his nasal passages, but is otherwise fine. A small trickle of bright red blood that stops bleeding in minutes is also most likely nothing to be concerned about—the horse probably got poked with a piece of stemmy hay.

The following require a call to the vet as they may indicate serious issues:

Discharge that includes saliva or chewed food, which could mean the horse is choking.
Bright red blood that is flowing freely for more than 30 minutes may be a sign of nasal passage injury.
Blood that is dark and draining could indicate that the horse has blood accumulating in his sinuses or respiratory tract.
Thick, yellow mucus can be a sign of a viral or bacterial infection, or strangles.
Discharge that smells, which may be indicative of an infection.

If the discharge indicates the horse may have an infection or contagious disease, keep him away from other horses and tell the vet what he or she may be dealing with before they arrive so they can adequately prepare. Don't handle any other horses before the vet arrives; if there's no other option, be sure to wash and sanitize hands and change clothes whenever possible.