🐎 Strangles in horses
A bacterial infection: fever, swollen jaw glands and nasal discharge; isolation matters.
What is it?
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection (Streptococcus equi), most common in young horses and in yards with horses coming and going.
Signs
- Fever, dullness and poor appetite.
- Thick nasal discharge.
- Swollen glands under the jaw that may abscess and burst, and trouble swallowing.
How does it spread?
Contact, discharge, shared water, feed and tools, and carrier horses without signs.
Prevention
- Quarantine new horses for 2-3 weeks before they join the yard.
- Separate water and tools for cases.
- Vaccinate as your vet advises.
🚨 When to call the vet at once
A horse that cannot swallow or breathe well, or cases in several horses.
📱 How Zajel helps
Log isolation and treatment under Health, and record horses coming into and leaving the yard.
This information is general. Diagnosis and doses always stay with your vet.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual · AAEP — American Association of Equine Practitioners