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For the average non-horsey citizen stumbling upon this article, the "S" word probably brings the word S-E-X to mind but, in the horse world, the dreaded "S" word stands for "the word we do not speak of"...Streptococcus equi or, more commonly referred to as, Strangles.
Why is this such a dreaded word? Why do horse people feel the need to stay so secretive regarding the subject? Why can't we just be honest? Ah, but then, we're horse people, and everyone knows we're not honest!
In my twenty odd years of being involved with horses, I have thankfully never had the pleasure of seeing Strangles...until this year. I've always been fascinated with how people tend to hide it and won't admit to it.
In my earlier years, I spent many frustrated seasons attending early spring shows and arriving at show stables to suddenly find out there had been a Strangles outbreak at the barn and worrying for weeks after if my horse was going to come down with it or not. Eventually, once I joined the ranks of becoming part of an A circuit barn, the trainer and resident veterinarian always seemed to know when and where it was safe to go, but it was never something that was common knowledge.
I was always boastful that we had never had Strangles but also knew that, someday, the reign would come to an end and it finally did this year. We religiously vaccinated every horse each February and made it a mandatory policy to quarantine all new horses for two weeks upon arrival. Last fall, I ended up venturing away from the stable, which is owned by my mother, and bought my own place to train and work out of and vowed I would keep the same routine as before and hoped to keep the same track record of never having to mention the "S" word. But, when one of my horses, after having what I thought was just a mild case of the foal snots last week, suddenly went down hill and had a temperature of 104 F, I realized it was Strangles but, at that point, a different "S" word immediately came to mind - but of the four letter variety.
A quick trip to the vet clinic and an x-ray of the horses guttural pouch confirmed what I didn't want to know...Strangles. I was absolutely heart broken and puzzled as to how "I" could have Strangles. After all, winter was just on it's way out, I had just moved to a new location and the last new horse I had bought was purchased at the end of January. None of my horses were ready or prepared yet to attend any shows. We hadn't been anywhere yet! It just didn't seem possible...until everything pointed to the new horse I had bought in January.
So, now I'm suddenly thrown into the perils of quickly having to learn the signs and symptoms of Strangles and how to treat it as, it was more than likely the rest of my horses at home would end up getting it as they all share pastures together. How embarrassing to be involved with horses for so many years and not even know what signs to look for, other than the characteristic abscess under the jaw that so many people hear about. The fact of the matter is, that infamous abscess under the jaw is not always present, especially at the beginning stages of Strangles.
My current days are filled with twice a day Penicillin shots, taking temperatures and waiting for possible abscesses, which haven't appeared yet. Combine that with three newly acquired ponies that don't like to be caught on the best of days and one that would rather perform difficult 'airs above the ground' or turn herself into an equine sling shot rather than receive a shot of Penicillin and you've got yourself some quality time with your equine friends!
The horse I bought in January happened to be carrying the Strangles bacteria and, even after quarantining, the horse was still able to give Strangles to the rest of my horses because it had not been isolated before we purchased it, to make sure the bacteria had run it's course. Before buying the horse, it apparently had just been purchased from another farm which we now find out had an outbreak of Strangles. Whether the person I bought the horse from knew better or not, the original seller should have been up front and honest about it as it has now caused a chain reaction to occur.
What most people don't realize is, if you know or think your horse has been exposed to Strangles, they need to be immediately quarantined. They may not come down with any symptoms right away, or at all, but they can pass it on to other horses regardless or be, what's commonly referred to as, 'silent shedders'. They don't suddenly have to have the classic abscess under the jaw. And, it is more contagious than most people think as it can survive in the environment for weeks or months.
In the end, the reality is that most people will end up getting Strangles cycling through their barn at some point. Some sooner than others, depending on their barn management skills and how much actual 'horse traffic' is evident in each particular barn. What makes it so hard to admit and warn others? Why risk putting the burden on other barns and stables and risk spreading the bacteria even further? Why not just own up to it?
My super deal of a horse has now turned into an expensive and well learned lesson. If someone had spoken up and had been honest and concerned about the health and well-being of others, instead of worrying about making a buck, I would have my $1,000 vet bill (including Penicillin, vaccinations, immune boosters, etc.) still in my pocket, my horses would be happy and healthy and I wouldn't have to be running around my pasture trying to catch those damn ponies!
In the end, Strangles is just another part of the horse world and will always be apart of it, no matter how hard we try. But, why not try and help other horse owners in the process and make everyone aware of it. Why does it have to be the dreaded "S" word?
~Tracy
Do you know the signs and symptoms of Strangles and what to do if you suspect your horse has been exposed to it? Check out our article with local veterinarian, Dr. Ryan Penno, and learn the facts and what you need to know to protect your horse!
The Facts On Strangles
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