DECEMBER 2012 THE RIDER /49


Strangles: Understanding Equine Distemper and Purpura Haemorrhagica


One of the most alarming of infectious diseases in the equine indus- try is Strangles, which is noted for the characteristic large swelling of lymph nodes under the jaw or in the throat area. Sometimes the node enlargement progresses to the point of interfering with airway or swallowing functions creating a concern that the patient might strangle.


Strangles, also known as equine distemper, is caused by a bacterial infection of the highly infectious Strep- tococcus equi (Strep equi). It most commonly affects young horses, gener- ally two years of age or less. Although the disease is potentially fatal, the mor- tality rate is generally less than 10 per- cent. The morbidity rate, however, is quite high due to the infectious nature of the germ and its ability to survive once infected horses contaminate the environment. The disease has an incu- bation period ranging from a few days to two weeks. Therefore, minimum iso- lation time of two weeks is recom- mended with horses that have been exposed, or horses having an unknown history for biosecurity purposes. “We see it so commonly in young horses when the germ is found in endemic areas; the younger animals often lack adequate immune protec- tion” said Dr. Glennon Mays, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Science (CVM). “That means that once a location is contami- nated with Strangles, we often see it reappear in the horse population because the bacterium is located in that environment. When horses are born or brought to that location, if they don’t have protective immunity, they become infected. “


The Strep equi germ can survive in contaminated soil, water troughs, feed buckets, and tack. The germ can even be transferred by people from one location to another. Direct transmission between horses occurs through contam- inated mucus excretions of the infected horse to the naïve horse. Contaminated horses may shed the germ for two to three weeks.


Infected horses can exhibit sever- al signs, such as general depression and dull behavior, runny nose or eyes and fever. The classic symptom of the infection is swollen lymph nodes beneath the jaw or throat areas or in


other external and/or internal body locations. Lymph nodes will usually swell two to three days after infection, and horses will be able to spread dis- ease for approximately two to three weeks after clinical signs appear. “These lymph nodes swell in reaction to the infection, and often develop into large pus formations,” Mays said. “After swelling, when the nodes soften, it is often therapeutic to drain the nodes by surgical incision. But this requires great caution since large blood vessels are often in close proximity. Care to contain the recov- ered pus is necessary because it can be very contaminating wherever it col- lects. The lymph nodes really serve as an area of collection of the bacteria and a concentration point of the infection.” “You don’t want that fluid getting into the soil, or on objects that will come in contact with uninfected hors- es,” Mays said. “Remember that the person handling the infected horse or the infected material coming from the horse can become a vehicle for spread- ing the disease.”


In addition to relieving the swelling of glands, veterinarians will typically administer supportive care, such as anti-inflammatory medications, to horses that retain an adequate appetite, hydration status, and don’t display difficulty breathing.


Some patients may experience high fever spikes (103 F or more) and require more aggressive therapy. In these instances, administration of antibiotics, electrolyte fluids, and anti- inflammatories become necessary. Additional products believed to stimu- late the immune system are sometimes incorporated into the therapeutic plan, however, many equine practitioners choose against initiating antimicrobial therapy unless the patient is fevered, depressed, and listless to the point of not eating and drinking adequately. Mays explained that in some cases Strangles can develop into a clin- ical presentation called Purpura Haem- orrhagica. Purpura causes vasculitis in the extremities resulting in painful swelling of the legs due to acute inflammation of peripheral blood ves- sels. The legs become tender and sore because circulation is impaired. Horses that develop this condition are either infected with Strangles and progress to the purpura stage, or were previously


exposed to the germ without develop- ing an infection.


“The reason behind this develop- ment is poorly understood, “Mays said. “But horses that develop purpura are extremely depressed and actually show more clinical signs of illness – essen- tially sicker than with Strangles alone.” The vasculitis in the legs can sig- nificantly prolong recovery, and can be severe enough that the swelling perma- nently damages musculoskeletal struc- tures. Laminitis is not an unusual resulting chronic condition. Complica- tions from purpura can produce career- ending results for performance horses. Purpura can also become fatal if not treated in a timely or effective manner. “My biggest concern is purpura creating a systemic effect resulting in a generalized, body-wide infection pro- ducing toxins that becomes a life- threatening condition, “Mays said. The best defense against Stran- gles is to create a barrier through biose- curity. Avoid transporting young hors- es into contaminated or endemic areas. Isolate horses of unknown exposure history for a minimum of two weeks to prevent possible exposure of disease to other animals. Do not bring horses dis- playing signs of illness into contact with healthy horses. Remember, the infection can be transferred on cloth- ing, tack, vehicle tires, or hands. Due to Strangles’ extremely contagious char- acter, seek veterinary care immediately if suspected. . Often, the veterinarians prefer to examine the animal away from their clinic to avoid contamina- tion.


Vaccines have been available for decades, but remain a contested topic for recommendation. Mays explained that many veterinarians approach vac- cination recommendation with caution. “Strep vaccines historically have more potential for reactive properties than other equine biological products. Many practitioners express concern for an increased frequency of post-vaccination complications with Strangles vaccine,” Mays said.


ABOUT PET TALK


Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Sto- ries can be viewed on the Web at http://vetmed.tamu.edu/pet-talk.


A Collection of Poems To Be Read, Re-read and Considered


by Elle S.


Hardcover book, 120 pages Also available in soft cover or as a Kindle e-book


For this review, I was given a lovely hardcover book with a roman- tic creamy floral photo on the shiny cover. Inside, I found more welcome details such as nicely printed prose on quality paper which was decorated with lovely flourishes on each page. My first thought was, “This would make a nice gift for the poetry lover”. The curious title of this book can also be considered good advice. To really be appreciated, many of the entries should be read, re-read and given consideration. The eclectic col- lection was compiled during her typi- cally transitional adolescent years. The work conjures up images and expresses feelings ranging from quiet joy and family love and deeply felt


dusty binder of teenage poetry. I had been reminded of the forgotten joy that can be experienced by reading the expressions of feelings and thoughts that are not your own, but once were. Yes, a very enjoyable experience.


Sample: In Memory of Arwen and Topper


The Horse


Upon awakening to this world, I carved an image in Man’s History Riding upon stars of light, Thy true meaning is a mystery. Author’s Bio


appreciation and oneness with the world to paralyzing fear. What she wrote about her parents brought a tear; they must be so proud. Youth has several luxuries such as being able to simple stop and focus on details as minute, and some would say unimportant, as a struggling mouse and as vast and significant as the meaning of life and death. We should all be so full of thought. Her interest- ing topics are as varied, wandering and free a young person’s imagina- tion, and there are several about hors- es which I did especially enjoy, so be sure to check out page 67. Each page made me feel seventeen again, and had me scrambling to find my own


Arthur Kottas Fall Clinic at Windreach Farm


Arcades Grove Horse Farm presented their eighth in a series of clinics with Arthur Kottas on October 14 and 15 at Windreach Farm. Arthur Kottas is of the internationally acclaimed and his- toric Spanish Riding School of Vienna, founded in 1572. During his 42 years at the school, he worked with many famous trainers including the


Spanish Riding School is living proof that the classical way is the right way. Horses need time in their training. It is amazing to see a horse 25 years of age trained in this way still able to enjoy his work.”


Arthur Kottas working in hand - 5 year old “Donner’s Golden Flower”.


Cana, a 5 yr. old Lusitano/Thoroughbred participating in Arthur Kottas Clinic


very recognizable Colonel Alois Podhajsky and was First Chief Rider for the last seven years before his retirement in 2003. He is a highly regarded international trainer and a recognized S level dressage judge. His daughters also compete internationally for Austria with great success. In his book, Kottas on Dressage, the trainer explains, “My philosophy of training and riding was shaped by the Spanish Riding School. It is the hope and desire of the Spanish Riding School that it sets a good example of upholding the prin- ciples and values of classical horsemanship. The


At the recent clinic in Ashburn, Kottas worked with eventing and dressage horses rang- ing from 4 to 20 years of age. He did some ground work with two of the young horses, but most of the lessons were of riding. In the accom- panying photos of 5 year old Cana, a Lusitano/Thoroughbred in the early stages of training, Arthur’s approach is seen. The horses must be trained to be work- ing through their whole body without shortening their neck.


Arthur has a remark- able understanding of how every aspect of the rider’s seat affects the horse. Each rider has to work on prob- lems with their seat to improve their harmony with the horse. When the day is done, riders and auditors alike, leave the clinic with much new information and a lot of homework to do as they look forward to his


Lauren Sereda (Elle S.) has attended school in England, had dres- sage training in Germany, and is cur- rently a second year student at Uni- versity of Kings College in Halifax, NS., Canada. As a nineteen year old, she is an alpha gamma delta sorority member, volunteers and does charity work but she has had a passion for horses since she was a little girl in Blenheim Ontario. From the young age of eight, Lauren has been writing poetry and short stories, inspired by her love of animals, her experiences while travelling and the highs and lows of daily life. It has always been her dream to become a published author.


Her first book, ‘A Collection of Poems to be Read, Re-Read and Con- sidered’ can be found in hard or soft- cover plus as a kindle e-book. It can be found online at www.authorhouse.com, www.ama- zon.com, and soon at www.chapters.indigo.ca. The Coles store in Chatham and several Chap- ters stores in southwestern Ontario will also have it available plus as a kindle e-book.


return in the spring for another round of clinics.


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