What is it about?
Redwings vet nurse Tom Saunders and campaigns officer Helen Whitelegg explain how good nursing care is a vital part of supporting horses infected with strangles. Find out more about the disease, treatment options, abscess management and how upholding exemplary biosecurity practices is essential to help prevent the spread of Streptococcus equi bacteria.
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Why is it important?
Strangles is the world's most commonly diagnosed equine infectious disease, with around 600 outbreaks confirmed in Britain every year. It is highly contagious, and leads to complications in up to 20% of cases, and is fatal for as many as 10% of infected individuals. Redwings Horse Sanctuary is a national equine welfare charity in the UK that is home to more than 1,500 rescued horses and ponies. The charity has significant expertise in diagnosing, treating and managing strangles at its quarantine centre for new arrivals. Redwings also coordinates the annual Strangles Awareness Week which is a collaboration between charities, vets and other experts in the disease. Redwings also hosts a Hub of free strangles resources on its website at www.redwings.org.uk/strangles
Perspectives
Having cared for many newly rescued horses at Redwings with active strangles infection, we know how debilitating, persistent and unpredictable the disease can be. Time and again we have seen the small adjustments to daily care and attention to detail being integral to making an infected horse more comfortable and increasing their chances of recovery.
Nicola Knight
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Nursing a horse with strangles, UK-Vet Equine, September 2021, Mark Allen Group,
DOI: 10.12968/ukve.2021.5.5.225.
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