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 for strangles are mainly young and old horses with compromised immunity. The bacterium attaches to tonsil and lymphoid tissue and the lymph nodes become infected.
Symptoms of Strangles
Clinical symptoms of strangles 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
- loss of appetite.
Horses infected with strangles 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 with Strangles?
Yes it can.
However, whilst the horse runs a temperature, the Equissage Pad should not be used so as not to further increase the body temperature as this may cause additional discomfort.
Also until the abscess(s) has ruptured, it is advisable not to use the Pad. Bear in mind that the affected horse will have difficulty swallowing and probably inflammation of the pharynx and larynx, plus enlargement of the lymph nodes possibly causing obstruction of the respiratory tract. Stimulating the contracting 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.
Massaging using Equissage 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.
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Application
For strangles treatment, initially use the Hand Unit alone to help push the abscess(s) into maturation. 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, you should 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.
