The Everything Horse Book by Karen Leigh Davis

Author:Karen Leigh Davis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: epub, ebook
Publisher: F+W Media, Inc.
Published: 2008-12-02T16:00:00+00:00

What is bastard strangles?

When strangles moves from the upper respiratory tract and goes internally, it is called bastard strangles. It is a life-threatening complication of Streptococcus equi, caused when lymph nodes deeper inside the chest or abdominal cavity become infected and form pockets of pus that begin to drain inside the body.

Before the discovery of antibiotics, a significant number of strangles cases were fatal. Nowadays, most horses recover from the disease with treatment; however, some serious complications can develop, even months afterward. One of the more serious systemic complications is purpura hemorrhagica, an inflammation of blood vessels, first evident by sudden and pronounced swelling in the hind legs. This complication is thought to be an autoimmune response, or a type of allergic reaction, to the Streptococcus equi bacteria. A strangles vaccine is available, but it has some risks. For this reason, it's not included in your routine lineup of spring shots unless you and your vet discuss the need for it.

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