Estrangulamentos em cavalos: infecção respiratória superior contagiosa
Strangles é uma infecção bacteriana altamente contagiosa que causa abscessos nos gânglios linfáticos. Quarentena e vacinação previnem surtos.
Strangles é uma infecção bacteriana do trato respiratório superior em cavalos, causada por Streptococcus equi subespécie equi. É uma das doenças infecciosas mais comuns e preocupantes em cavalos em todo o mundo, conhecida por sua natureza altamente contagiosa e pela formação característica de abscessos nos gânglios linfáticos.
Pontos-chave
- Strangles is caused by Streptococcus equi and spreads via direct contact or contaminated equipment
- Signs include fever, nasal discharge, cough, and abscessed lymph nodes under the jaw
- Bastard strangles — spread to internal organs — is a rare but fatal complication
- Quarantine of new horses for 2-3 weeks prevents introduction
- Vaccination reduces severity but doesn't fully prevent infection
- Carriers with guttural pouch infections perpetuate outbreaks
Understanding Strangles
The bacterium Streptococcus equi infects the tonsils and pharyngeal lymphoid tissue. From there, it travels to the submandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes, causing abscess formation. The abscesses mature, rupture, and drain thick, creamy pus. Infected horses shed bacteria in nasal discharge and draining pus for weeks. Some horses become carriers with persistent guttural pouch infection.
Treatment and Prevention
Most cases resolve with supportive care — rest, soft palatable food, and NSAIDs for fever and pain. Antibiotics are controversial — they may delay abscess maturation. Vaccination with live attenuated intranasal or killed injectable vaccines reduces severity. Isolate new horses for 2-3 weeks and test before introduction. Disinfect stalls, equipment, and water sources. Screen recovered horses for carrier status.
Quando consultar um veterinário imediatamente
- Your horse has fever, nasal discharge, and swollen lymph nodes under the jaw
- There's thick yellow nasal discharge and difficulty swallowing
- Abscesses are draining pus from the throat area
- Multiple horses on the property show similar signs
- A new horse was recently introduced without quarantine
Este artigo é apenas para fins educacionais e não substitui o aconselhamento veterinário profissional. Se o seu animal apresentar algum sintoma, entre em contato imediatamente com o Royal Veterinary Center pelo telefone +853 6677 6611.