Tetanus and Strangles

The Two Most Serious Horse Diseases

Both tetanus and strangles can cause any horse a lot of suffering and can also cause death.

Fortunately a high level of protection against both is possible by adopting a proper program of vaccination. This should include an initial series of injections then an annual booster.

Tetanus

Tetanus is a disease that can affect people and animals but the horse is the animal most susceptible to it.

Tetanus occurs when a wound becomes infected with tetanus spores. These germinate, multiply and produce a very powerful poison which affects the muscles. Some cases of tetanus occur from wounds that are so small they are not noticed. More than half the horses known to have been affected with tetanus in Australia have died.

An infected horse moves with a stiff-legged gait, often with the tail held out stiffly and the ears pricked. As the disease progresses the muscles become so rigid and stiff that the horse may fall and not be able to get up again. Convulsions may occur and death is caused by paralysis of the breathing muscles.

Treatment for tetanus is difficult, time consuming, very expensive and often unsuccessful so vaccination is the only way to provide safe, effective long-term protection.

Strangles

Strangles is the most important infectious disease affecting horses. It is caused by a bacterium, Streptococcus equi, and is very contagious, especially with foals, spreading easily from horse to horse and often leading to large outbreaks with many horses affected.

Typically, horses suffering from strangles have pus discharging from their nostrils and swellings (abscesses) forming in the lymph glands under the jaw. These abscesses often burst and exude a thick yellow pus. Affected horses can have a fever, be depressed and may stop eating. Most animals recover, but horses that contract even a mild case of strangles must be isolated and removed from training and heavy work for up to 3 months. In some cases the infection can cause chronic illness or even death.

Field experience has shown that vaccinating can control the disease by reducing the degree of clinical disease and reducing the spread of an outbreak. However, it is not claimed that the vaccine is an absolute preventative.

Administration

The vaccine is injected deep into the neck muscles. Once a horse owner learns the technique and correct location for vaccinating, the do-it-yourself approach is convenient and economic. However, where this presents some personal difficulty, professional help from a veterinarian is recommended.

How Long Does Protection Last?

Foals receive protection from the colostrum or first milk of properly vaccinated mares but in all cases the vaccine program for foals should start at twelve weeks.

The immunity and protection produced by the initial course of vaccinations doesn´t remain constant for the rest of the horse´s life. With time the immunity tends to decrease, therefore regular boosters or re-vaccinations are needed to maintain protective immunity.

Check with your Veterinarian, saddlery or feed store for supplies and guidance on professional or do-it-yourself administration.

Samantha writes articles on several subjects including horse health issues and horse tips. To read more articles please visit the Horse Riding website