STRANGLES IN HORSES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 157, 8 May 1940, Page 3

STRANGLES IN HORSES

Strangles in horses occur at all seasons of the year. Strangles is a febrile disease of young horses characterised by fever, coughing, frequently a nasal discharge which becomes more marked as the disease progresses, and characteristic, swelling of the throat and glands situated inside the under jaws of the animal. There is marked debility and loss of appetite, and the animal holds the head in a characteristic manner with the nose poked forward. The glands around the throat may appear swollen, and the horse may have difficulty in swallowing. Abscess Formation. After these symptoms have been present for a few ilaj's there appears a tendency to abscess formation at one or more points. This tendency should be encouraged, ,as it is important that the pus forming underneath should be released rather than imprisoned. In order to hasten the abscess stage, hot fomentations. poultices, and counter-irri-tants are sometimes applied to the region of the throat. Electuaries of molasses and potassium chlorate arf frequently placed on the back of the tongue to ease the sore throat and assist in allaying the cough. _ Affected animals require nursing and soft, easily-masticated and easi-ly-swallowed food. Bran mashes |:>r mashes of carrots and bran and oatmeal drinks are frequently provided to maintain the strength of the animal. The disease is a debilitating one for young horses, and a long period of convalescence is necessary if complications are to be avoided. The typical case, as described above, does not require much other lhan good nursing and careful -attention. As many cases, however, are not typical in character, with abscess formation in other sites, or even internally, it is advisable all owners to consult their nearest veterinary surgeon and be guided b}' his instructions and treatment. Regular Inspection. As the breeding of horses has been encouraged during the last few years, owners are advised to attend to young horses at regular intervals to see that the disease does not become neglected. The disease is infectious and contagious, and may appear through the purchase of a young animal bringing the disease on to a property. If the older horses on the farm have not passed through an attack they are also liable to beco'm.e affected. Horses may pick up the infection from common watering troughs and feeding boxes, so that strict isolation of an affected horse is necessary to prevent the spread of the trouble. Occasionally, a whole

team may contact the disease from case afFecting an unbroken youngs ster on the farm. It is considered that any horse which has had an attack of thd disease acquires a life-long immunity, but this immunity may be broken , down through neglect, poor feeding, or debilitation due to wormsor other disease. The disease must be considered a" serious one among horses, as it attacks them in several forms. If neglected, the animal's breathing may be affected for the remainder of Mslife. Expert opinion, if available,, should be made full use of both in the interest of the horse and t-ht-oWner. Treatment. Foi the assistance of owners who are unable to obtain expert advice the following information may prove 'of some value. In order to assist in relieving the sore throat and inabil-r ity to swallow, an application of embrocation may be applied to the swollen glands in the throat region. The ripening or pointing of an abscess may be hastened by painting; the area with liniment of iodine. When the abscess points it may be lanced with a clean knife which has been boiled before use. The abscessts always opened at its lowest and most prominent part in order to pro vide adequate drainage. Steaming the head once or twice daily will assise in the removal of the nasal discharge. Eucalyptus or other volatile oil may be added to the apparatus used for steaming. A tablespoonful of an electuary composed of a mixture of equal parts by weight of chlorate of potas sium, honey and molasses, placed on the back of the horse's tongue twice daily will assist in relieving, and soothing the irritated membrane of the throat, thereby easing the cougii.