How to Treat Strangles in a Horse

If you are a horse owner, educating yourself on how to treat and prevent strangles can prevent your horse from developing complications related to the disease. While not the worst disease your horse can get, it can be stubborn and in certain cases, cause long-term problems known as "bastard strangles." An outbreak can mean several weeks, or even months, of quarantine or lost riding and show time with your horse. A bacterial disease caused by Streptococcus equi, there are some specific steps you can do if your horse is exposed or contracts strangles.

Things You'll Need

  • Hot compresses
  • Cleaning disinfectant
  • Disposable booties
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Instructions

    • 1
      Remove your horses from other horses as soon as you notice symptoms of strangles.

      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.

    • 2

      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.

    • 3
      Check for abscesses in the jowl or throatlatch area.

      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.

    • 4

      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.

    • 5
      Disinfect any halters and other equipment that came in contact with your horse.

      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.