[Ace]

hi all just heard there has been an out break of strangles near me,my horse hasnt got it but i want to take out all the precautions i can beforehand.so if he gets it how do i know and what to do if he gets it iv read all about it depression swelling under the jaw but any other tips please
 

[Hopewell]

what to do if he gets it

If you suspect it I would strongly advise that you get it checked by a vet, who will also advise on the care required with the particular symptoms and situation with regard to other horses. Antibiotics are often used and will need a vet to prescribe.
Also there is a vaccine available - in the Uk it was withdrawn but is now back, presumably whatever the issues were with it have been sorted out. If the outbreak is local to you then your local vet will probably know of the local situation and may be able to give specific advice.

[feldar]

Strangles is common down here  (New Forest ) most years we get an outbreak, most of our horses have had it or been exposed as youngsters. Symptoms do range and some horses hardly show they've got it. Keep an eye out for general loss of health they look " under the weather" and a bit down, a bit of a raised temp and followed by swellings under jaw but not always, my crossbred never showed that and he was exposed as a foal when one of the horses in the field came down with it.
Keep them quiet and stress free DO NOT COMPETE this will only spread it about further and if concerned call vet. Vets here, tend to let it run it's course because we get it so often and only give covering antibiotics to horses with burst swelling likely to get infection.
Once they've had it they should be immune to it in the future.
Hope that helps