Strangles is an irresistible, infectious sickness of Equidae described by abscessation of the lymphoid tissue of the upper respiratory tract.
Etiology and pathogenesis
The causative agent , Streptococcus equi, is exceptionally have adjusted and delivers clinical illness just in stallions, mules,ponies and donkeys. Accordingly, the lymph nodes swell, compacting the pharynx, larynx and trachea and can cause respiratory compression hence death , that’s why the name Strangles.It is a gram-positive, capsulated β-hemolytic Lancefield gather C coccus, which is a obligatory parasite and an essential pathogen. Streptococcus equi is very infectious and delivers very high morbidity and low mortality in susceptible animals. When infection spread to lymph nodes its also termed as bastard strangles and it cases high mortality.
Transmission
It happens through fomites and direct contact with infectious exudates. carriers are vital for upkeep of the microorganisms amongst epizootics and start of new cases in premises already free of disease. Survival of the bacterium in the earth relies upon temperature and moisture; it is sensitive to dryness, outrageous warmth, and disclosure to daylight and must be resided inside mucoid discharges to survive. Under perfect ecological conditions, the bacterium can survive ~4 wk outside the host. Under field conditions, most bacteria don’t survive 96 hrs.
Ruptured submandibular abscesses
Clinical signs
Fast on-set of high temperature (103-106 F).
Reduced feed intake or loss of hunger.
Release of yellow discharge from the nose (muco prulent) and its bilateral.
Coughing.
Difficulty in swallowing.
Abscess formation in head and neck glands.
Submandibular lymphadenopathy.
Extended head and neck.
Postmartem lessions
Abscesses in retropharyngeal lymph nodes.
brain abscesses in terminal stages of disease.
retropharyngeal lymph nodes
brain abscesses
Diagnosis
History
Clinical signs and symptoms
Isolation of bacteria by nasal swabs and then bacterial culture
ELISA
PCR
Endoscopy of guttural pouches
Treatment
Maturation and drainage of the abscess
Flush the wound with diluted povidone-iodine solution
NSAIDs to reduce pain and to improve appetite
Antibiotics but its still controversial
Procaine penicillin 22000 IU/ kg intramuscular
Prevention
Isolation of suspected animals
Bio-security
Maintain a-sepsis
Vaccination of animals
Control environmental contamination
Insect control
Isolation of animals during shedding period ( bacterium is shed in secretions ) 1-2 months after recovery