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Help for my horse...


Sent to Pet Experts August 28, 2005 11:26 p.m.

I have an 8 year old Quarter Horse gelding that has had swollen glands since spring and now exhibits wobbling, and is very lethargic. I spoke with a vet earlier this spring and he felt that the swollen glands weren't anything to be worried about. I am really worried about him. He is current on all vaccinations, including West Nile. Any suggestions? I am going to contact a vet in the morning, but thought I would ask you tonight. Thanks!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $20   
Answer
August 29, 2005 1:15 a.m. (1 hour and 48 minutes later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

It sounds as if It could be Strangles here is more info for you on it.

Even after a horse seems to have recovered completely from strangles, he may continue to shed bacteria in normal-looking nasal secretions for several subsequent weeks. In fact, researchers believe that some horses remain carriers for life, capable of spreading infections to susceptible contacts. Strangles can infect horses of any age, sex and breed, but once exposed, horses usually recover completely and develop lasting immunity. Thus the most at-risk population includes young, immunologically "naive" horses.

The infection is spread through direct horse-to-horse contact or by intermediaries, including flies, human handlers and, most commonly, communal watering troughs. Nasal discharge is variable among infected horses, but victims always run very high fevers and always develop painful abscesses in the lymphoid tissues behind or between the jaw bones, where they may impede swallowing, hence the name "strangles." Once these abscesses burst and drain, the horse usually recovers without incident.
www.nfucountryside.org.uk/newsfarming-1105.htm

Also although you may have vaccinated West Nile
it is not a guarantee that your horse will not get infected.

Hope I could help!
Joann Canafax  -- Veterinary Assistant -- 100% Positive Feedback on 66 Pet Accepts
Lots of hands on and much studying
Reply to Joann Canafax
Sent August 29, 2005 11:20 p.m. (22 hours and 4 minutes later)

Not strangles. No abcesses. No fever. No nasel drainage. Just lumps behind the jaw. We drew blood today to see if that shows anything. He also seemed more attentive today, still not well, but better. Not quite as weak and wobbly. Thanks.

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on August 29 2005 at 11:21pm
Customer (name blocked for privacy)

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