Strangles
Strangles is an infectious bacterial disease caused
by the bacterium Streptococcus equi. This highly contagious
disease is transmissible by nasal discharge, contaminated
feed or drink and via mammary glands. Streptococcus equi
thrives in equine hosts and although survival outside
the host is poor, it is still possible. Risk groups are
mainly young and old horses with compromised immunity.
The bacterium attaches to tonsil and lymphoid tissue
and the lymph nodes become infected. Clinical symptoms
include inflammation of the lymph nodes and glands, nasal
discharge, extension of the head and neck, difficulty
swallowing, coughing, submandibular and supra-laryngeal
area swelling, high temperature and loss of appetite.
Infected horses should be isolated as they remain contagious
for up to 3-4 weeks after the onset. A fairly long incubation
period of 3-14 days means it may be a while before other
horses start to show clinical symptoms. Therefore any
horses that were kept in close proximity to an infected
horse should be closely monitored.
Can Equissage help?
Yes it can - BUT - whilst the horse runs a temperature,
the Equissage Pad should not be used so as not to further
increase the body temperature (Equissage warms the body
and its effects last for several hours) and may cause
additional discomfort.
Also until the abscess(s) has ruptured, it is advisable
not to use the Pad. Bearing in mind that the affected
horse has difficulty in swallowing and probably inflammation
of the pharynx and larynx, plus enlargement of the lymph
nodes possibly causing obstruction of the respiratory
tract, then stimulating the contracting of muscles could
add to the already present discomfort and possibly cause
further secondary problems.
However, using the Hand Unit alone in the throat area
can help to promote maturation of the abscess(s). Once
the abscess(s) ruptures then use the Pad to assist the
recovery process. Boosting lymphatic drainage is of great
importance as the quicker the removal of waste material,
the quicker fresh blood supplies carrying nutrients vital
for the healing process, can come into the affected areas.
The massaging will ease the muscles of the respiratory
tract (opening up the airways) as well as around the pharynx
and larynx. Promoting natural immunity (antibodies) against
strangles in the future will also be aided.
Application:
Initially use the Hand Unit alone to help push the abscess(s)
into maturation. Whilst it is tempting to use a higher
setting, remember that the horse with strangles feels
pretty wretched, so keep to a low setting for 5-10 minutes.
If possible apply 3-4 times a day. Usually the Hand Unit
is best kept in situ, but in this instance gently move
the Unit (with the rubber cap on) in very small rotational
movements over the skin. Do not press the unit against
the horse - this does not improve its effectiveness; holding
the Unit on the skin is quite enough.
When moving on to using the Pad when the abscess(s) has
ruptured, a lower setting (No2-No.3) for longer (30 minutes)
will work better to relieve symptoms and provide relief.
If possible a twice daily application will be more beneficial,
reducing to once a day after a week. Localised use of
the Hand Unit to the throat areas will further assist
the elimination of pus and matter from the nasal passages.
Again, a lower setting is preferred for 10 minutes.
For more information please call 0800 072 1180,
email us at info@equissage.co.uk
or request a FREE TRIAL
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