Things You'll Need
- Hot compresses
- Cleaning disinfectant
- Disposable booties
Instructions
Isolate your horse. Do not allow any horses to enter or leave your premises until your horse has fully recovered--cultures can be taken to indicate it is no longer shedding contagious bacteria--and there are no outbreaks in any other horses on the property. A runny nose is a common initial symptom of strangles.
Contact your veterinarian and ask about administering penicillin. Different stages of the disease may require different types of penicillin or other medications, and veterinarians may also have specific preferences.
Check for a lymph node abscess. Look for a bulge or lump in the throat and neck area. If you notice one, some vets will not use penicillin to treat your horse, as it can prevent the abscess from forming completely which can cause complications and prolong the disease.
Put hot compresses on abscesses. Your veterinarian should lance, drain and flush any abscesses with a disinfectant solution. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to care for draining abscess, as this drainage is highly contagious.
Clean all equipment that has come in contact with your horse, including your clothing and shoes, with a strong disinfectant. Wear disposable booties to prevent transmitting the bacteria. Disinfect all pails, halters, hoses, lead ropes and brushes. If you transported your horse, clean out the trailer. Once your horse has recovered, disinfect its stall.