Dealing with strangles – What you need to know

Insurance specialists at The Insurance Emporium have put together a guide on what to do if your horse contracts strangles and steps that can help to prevent it from spreading throughout a stable

With it being one of the most common issues amongst horses, strangles is unpleasant for both the horse suffering and the stable trying to contain it. Did you know that The British Horse Society estimates there are approximately 600 strangles outbreaks in the UK each year? Here’s what you need to know about this wide-spreading disease.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of strangles can vary and be difficult to spot. Below are some of the most common symptoms to look out for…

• a fever of over 38.5°C
• reluctance to eat and drink due to difficulty swallowing
• your horse may appear to be lethargic and depressed
• your horse may have a cough
• a thick and discoloured discharge may come out of the horse’s nostrils
• formation of lymph node abscesses – the glands under the jaw or on the head have swollen, leading to lymph node abscesses

If you’re worried your horse might have strangles, get in touch with a vet immediately. It’s important you act quickly to prevent it from spreading around the yard, so move your horse into isolation and notify the yard manager.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis depends on several factors. Your vet will confirm how best to diagnose your horse. They may be able to tell just from his symptoms, or they may need to take a swab, samples or a blood test.

How is it treated?

Your vet will be able to confirm the best course of treatment. They might recommend…

• supportive care Using anti-inflammatory medication to treat your horse’s increased temperature, feeding your horse sloppy and wet food can also make it easier for your horse to swallow and help his abscesses to drain
• antibiotics In some cases, antibiotics can be used to treat strangles in horses. This is because they can shorten the disease course and prevent serious complications
• hot compress Apply hot towels to the swollen glands, helping the abscesses to burst or grow to a size where the vet can lance them successfully

How can you prevent strangles from spreading?

Here are some ways to help to prevent strangles from spreading throughout a stable.

• isolation
• separate caretakers
• protective clothing
• good hygiene
• close the yard
• separate contaminated equipment

We hope this guide can help you think about the measures needed to prevent strangles. Don’t get caught out by the unexpected costs of dealing with common health conditions. The Insurance Emporium’s, Defaqto 5-star rated horse insurance includes cover for death, theft or straying as standard. You can then customise your policy with their Optional Benefits, such as cover for vet’s fees up to £5,000 per incident. Get a horse insurance quote today and keep your horse safe so you can continue doing what you love.

For more information, read the full blog here. 

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