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  Discussion on Stangles on a vaccinated horse
Author Message
Member:
Allenpor

Posted on Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 - 9:54 pm:

Tonight my 4 year old had a temp. of 104.4, not eating, and depressed. Vet ran CBC and white count was high (40,000? - I was so shocked I forget the number). Vet thinks it's strangles. Recommendation is to bring temp down with bute and take a nasal swab later (this is Saturday and office is closed).

I have 3 horses and all had the intra-nasal vaccine on April 1. Today is April 26. The horse in question has never left my farm. One of my horses does go in and out for lessons, but so far he is fine.

So, how could my 4 year old become infected with Strangles? The vet (not the one who gave the vaccine) thinks it was somehow caused by the vaccine. This vet also doesn't like to give penicillin for Strangles (forget the reason).

I am in a quandry as to what to do to protect my other two horses. And, if it's not Strangles, what else could it be and shouldn't I be on penicillin right away?
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Saturday, Apr 26, 2003 - 11:26 pm:

Marion, it is my understanding that it is better to let strangles run its course. It will probably show in an abcess under the horse's jaw . . . which will either drain on its own or need to be lanced. Strangles is the strep germ, so imagine how you feel with a very raw, sore throat . . . that is why your horse isn't swallowing. It is thought that antibiotics too early on, can drive the abcesses internally and cause havoc . . . so it is better to let them erupt on the outside. . . . Your vet should know when it is safe to administer the antibiotics. Some horses are carriers of strep just as some people are . . . . and there is evidence that strep can survive in the ground for years after an outbreak . . . We had an outbreak at a camp where I worked one year . . . . we were told to bleach everything, from the ground where the mucous dripped, to the stalls, buckets, shoes that we wore . . . and wash our hands before we touched any of the other horses or went home to our own horses. Is there any evidence of strangles at the place to where your lesson horse goes to give lessons?
It's hard to watch our horses when they are uncomfortable and in pain . . . . Your horse should feel better soon . . . .
Best wishes,
Holly
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 - 7:47 am:

Hello All,
I think the vaccine theroy Marion, is well, let's say very unlikely. Has your horse come into contact with any other horse that may have harbored this? I personally think a fever this high this quick sounds more like a viral disease, also you con't mention a cough and snotty nose that usually accompany the fever in Strangles.

Penicillin is very effective early in the disease for Strangles, see the article on this for more. Marion I recommend you study the articles on:
1) Equine Diseases » Fever of Unknown Origin
2) Strangles
3) Equine Diseases » Respiratory System » Nasal Discharge, Cough, and Fever.
With this information you willbe better prepared to discuss this with your veterinarian.
DrO
Member:
Allenpor

Posted on Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 - 11:03 am:

Thanks, Holly and Dr. O.

Dr. O, I have read those articles and I agree that it sounds more like a viral infection. After getting banamine last night, at 9pm the temperature had gone down to 101.2. This morning, the temp was back up to 104.4. I gave two grams of bute per vets instruction. Still, there is no nasal discharge, cough, or swelling in the lymph nodes. I don't think it is strangles either.

As for coming in contact with other horses, the only horse that could have given her this is my show gelding. He goes to my trainer's barn almost daily. There are horses in and out of there all they time, including imports. However, none are known to be sick.

Assuming this isn't strangles, would you recommend just letting whatever it is run it's course? The vet that I called for this is no my primary vet. I will talk to him on Monday morning. As you can guess, it can get really 'touchy' dealing with two vets, but my primary vet lives too far away to come for emergencies.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Apr 27, 2003 - 5:45 pm:

Without examining your horse Marion I cannot make that decision. I see lots of high fevers of no consequence, is yours one? Actually I do not see many as a indication of serious disease. I watch the general attitude and appetite of the horse, heart rate, gum color and sclera for signs of injection closer than anything else. Also the inability to localize the source of the infection is a good prognostic indicator in my expereince. Certainly bute to keep the fever down and the horse eating and drinking is logical for any FofUO.
DrO
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