Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can affect horses of all ages. Understanding the symptoms of strangles in a horse is important for owners, as early recognition can help ensure prompt veterinary care and reduce the risk of the infection spreading to other horses.
At Hambleton Equine, we understand how concerning it can be when your horse becomes unwell. Our experienced equine veterinary team provides professional advice, diagnosis and treatment to support the health and welfare of horses across North Yorkshire and the surrounding areas. If you are concerned that your horse could have strangles, contacting your vet promptly is essential.
Recognising the Symptoms of Strangles in a Horse
The signs of strangles can differ between horses, and some may develop more obvious symptoms than others. A raised temperature is often one of the earliest signs and can occur before other clinical symptoms become apparent.
Common symptoms of strangles in a horse include:
- A high temperature or fever
- Thick or discoloured nasal discharge
- Swollen or painful lymph nodes around the jaw and throat
- Lethargy or depression
- Reduced appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing in more severe cases
As the infection develops, the lymph nodes around the horse’s head and throat can become enlarged and may develop into abscesses. These abscesses can eventually rupture and release pus.
The swelling associated with strangles can also put pressure on the horse’s airway, potentially making breathing difficult. This is why suspected cases should always be taken seriously.
At Hambleton Equine, we recommend contacting your vet if your horse develops a fever, nasal discharge, swollen glands or any other unusual signs of illness. These symptoms can occur with several different conditions, so professional veterinary assessment is important for determining the underlying cause.
Can Horses Have Strangles Without Obvious Signs?
Not every horse infected with strangles will display all the typical signs. Some horses may experience relatively mild symptoms, while others can develop much more significant illness.
A horse may initially appear relatively well but develop a raised temperature, slight nasal discharge or a reduced appetite. This makes regular health monitoring particularly important following potential exposure to an infected horse.
Strangles is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi. It can spread through direct contact between horses, but transmission can also occur through contaminated equipment, people, clothing, water sources and other objects.
For this reason, owners should remain vigilant when introducing a new horse to a yard, attending competitions or events, travelling between yards or when there has been a known case of strangles nearby.
If you believe your horse has been exposed, do not wait for obvious symptoms to develop before seeking advice. Isolating the horse and speaking to your vet can help reduce the potential for the infection to spread.
The team at Hambleton Equine can provide veterinary guidance if you are concerned about infectious disease and help you understand the appropriate steps to take to protect your horse and other horses on the yard.
What to Do If You Suspect Strangles
If you notice potential symptoms of strangles in a horse, contact your veterinary practice as soon as possible. Until you have received professional advice, take sensible precautions to minimise contact between the potentially affected horse and others.
Where possible, keep the horse separate from other horses and avoid moving horses on or off the premises until your vet has advised you. Separate grooming equipment, feed buckets and other items should be used for the affected horse, while goodhand, clothing and footwear hygiene can help reduce the risk of transferring infection.
Monitoring your horse’s temperature regularly can also help identify changes in their condition. Keeping a record of their temperature, appetite and behaviour can provide your vet with useful information.
Your vet may recommend diagnostic testing to determine whether Streptococcus equi is present. This can be particularly useful because some of the clinical signs associated with strangles can also occur with other equine respiratory illnesses.
At Hambleton Equine, our equine vets can assess your horse and provide appropriate advice regarding diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management. We can also help owners understand how best to manage their horse and reduce the risk of infection spreading to others.
It is important to remember that a horse recovering from strangles may not immediately be free from infection. Some horses can become carriers, meaning bacteria can remain in the guttural pouches and potentially be shed at a later date.
Protecting Your Horse From Strangles
Good biosecurity is one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of infectious diseases such as strangles spreading between horses.
Take care when introducing new horses to a yard and consider appropriate isolation and health checks before allowing them to mix with resident horses. Shared equipment should be avoided wherever possible, particularly when there is a suspected or confirmed case.
Owners should also consider how people move between horses. Hands, clothing, footwear and equipment can potentially transfer bacteria, so good hygiene practices are particularly important when dealing with an unwell or isolated horse.
Regularly monitoring your horse’s health can make it easier to identify changes at an early stage. Knowing your horse’s normal temperature, appetite and behaviour can help you recognise when something is not quite right.
There is also a strangles vaccine available in the UK. Your vet can discuss whether vaccination is appropriate for your horse and how it can form part of a wider approach to disease prevention.
At Hambleton Equine, we take a proactive approach to equine health and welfare. From routine veterinary care to investigations and treatment for more complex conditions, our experienced team is committed to providing high-quality care for every horse.
Speak to Hambleton Equine About Your Horse’s Health
If you are worried about the symptoms of strangles in a horse, it is important not to ignore changes in your horse’s health. Fever, nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes, lethargy and difficulty swallowing can all warrant veterinary investigation.
Hambleton Equine provides experienced equine veterinary care to support horse owners across North Yorkshire and the surrounding areas. Whether you are concerned about a possible infectious disease or simply want professional advice about your horse’s health, our team is here to help.
If your horse is displaying possible symptoms of strangles or you believe they may have been exposed to an infected horse.
Contact Hambleton Equine today for professional veterinary advice.