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Horse Strangles

Module by: Cody Zahler. E-mail the author

Summary: Set up the following scenario for the students: You have noticed that one of your horses has seemed lethargic for several days. Additionally you have noticed it has not been eating and seems to have labored breathing. On inspection you notice some nasal discharge and slight swelling in the submandibular lymph nodes. What should you do? Have the students think about what should be done and write it down. At this point teach the content material. At the end of class discuss the repercussions of their decisions: If you left the horse and paid attention for further developments the horse will likely recover. If you went to the veterinarian he would likely diagnose Strangles, and proscribe simple preventative care.

Challenge: Horse Strangles

Unit: Horse Diseases

Subject: Large Animal Husbandry

Description:

Phase I

Set up the following scenario for the students: You have noticed that one of your horses has seemed lethargic for several days.  Additionally you have noticed it has not been eating and seems to have labored breathing.  On inspection you notice some nasal discharge and slight swelling in the submandibular lymph nodes.  What should you do?  Have the students think about what should be done and write it down.  At this point teach the content material. 

Phase II

At the end of class discuss the repercussions of their decisions: If you left the horse and paid attention for further developments the horse will likely recover.  If you went to the veterinarian he would likely diagnose Strangles, and proscribe simple preventative care.

Competencies

Core Competencies

  • Diagnose disease based on symptoms
  • Proscribe applicable treatment
  • Administer treatment

Cross-Curricular Competencies

  • Data collection

Content

  • What is Strangles: bacterial infection that causes a swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, causing difficulty breathing or “strangles”
  • Cause: Streptococcus Equi
  • Symptoms: 1. Inappetance 2. Fever 3. Lethargy 4. Swelling of submandibular lymph nodes  5. extended neck to relieve pressure 6. nasal discharge 7. coughing 8. labored breathing 9. abcess of lymph nodes 10. abcesses may burst releasing pus 11. There may be an incubation period of up to three weeks
  • Possible Complications: 1. Bastard Strangles- spread of infection to sites other than the lymph nodes in the neck region- this has more potential to be lethal 2. Purpura haemorrhagica- inflammation of peripheral blood vessels
  • Diagnosis: A culture of the pus from the nose, lymph nodes or throat can be used to diagnose
  • Treatment: Most cases require simple treatments including careful monitoring of vital signs, ensuring eating/drinking, etc. In more advanced cases medications may be required, the most effective being penicillin G. The abcesses could use hot packs, and may occasionally need lancing and antiseptic care.
  • Prevention: Isolate the infected horse as well as any horses that may have come into contact during incubation period. Sanitize any material/instruments that have come into contact with the animal. Check for symptoms in any other horses.

Open Educational Resources

Figure 1
Figure 1 (graphics1.jpg)
nasal discharge

Figure 2
Figure 2 (graphics2.jpg)
  • http://www.aht.org.uk/bact_intro.html
Figure 3
Figure 3 (graphics3.jpg)
  • http://www.vetstoria.com/images/gallery/gall1189813471.jpg

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