Strangles, anyone?? WARNING - GRAPHIC IMAGES

[MasterBenedict]

So I have been having a clear out over the Xmas period and came across an old camera memory card from when I lived/worked at a riding school back in Lincolnshire. Whilst doing my NVQ courses, I had to keep records of any medical issues that cropped up. Well, needless to say with 40+ horses on site over 3 years I came across quite a few medical situations!

So for anyone interested, I though I would post them on here for some interesting (if rather disgusting) viewing.....first up is a lovely case of strangles in a 14hh mare that thankfully we kept contained to just her.

WARNING - THESE ARE GRAPHIC IMAGES OF A MEDICAL NATURE!

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First off, a large swelling appeared on her throat/underside of her head and she was generally unhappy and off her food - -

Next, after much hot-towelling with a nappy recommend by the vet (whilst waiting for results from swabs) a nice large abscess appeared...

The abscess burst and started draining down her chin. Cue lots of disinfecting and gagging on my part from the smell...

Then it got bigger, and bigger and bigger still!

Thankfully by this time we had the results back from the vets, and although she did have strangles, it wasn't the usual strain and so was no where near as infectious as normal. Unfortunately it was so long ago now that I can't remember the exact details, so can't go I to great detail about the medical side of things.

Eventually, the abscess started to dry up and started to look a lot better. This was about 2 weeks from noticing the first signs. The wonderful mare was a star patient and never put up a fuss, bless her.

It took about another month for it to completely clear and all hair to grow back. I think the vet then re-swabbed to ensure it was safe for her to be re-introduced back into the herd, boy was she happy for some company! All is well now and she is back to being an amazing first pony, teaching her owners 4 kids how to ride Hope you enjoyed the thread (well, you know what I mean) and hopefully it was interesting and possibly useful for someone out there.

 

[Jesstickle]

wow that is some hole!

 

[SkewbyTwo]

That is fascinating. Grim, but fascinating. That abscess is horrendous and literally eating her up. Dreadful. Terrific to hear the happy outcome though. Thanks so much for thinking to share!

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Thanks for sharing this OP. Gross, yes. But if it means that just ONE person out there recognises the symptoms, then worth it IMO.

Jeez, what a horrible thing to deal with; well done you and the yard for dealing with it properly tho' and containing it.

 

[friskyfilly]

Wow that's one hell of a hole. fortunately in my years of working with horses I never had to deal with strangles so nice (in a strange way) to see what it looks like. Well done for taking pictures and also posting them thank you

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Wow thanks for sharing! There is such a stigma surrounding strangles that few people will admit their horses have/have had it and certainly wont take piccies.

Very educational to look at, espcially for those who have never seen a case up close.

 

[NZJenny]

What they all said. So if there is anything else you would care to share, please do !

 

[sheep]

Wow very useful and informative. Glad to see she recovered well.

 

[MasterBenedict]

So if there is anything else you would care to share, please do !

For anyone interested, I have posted a thread in breeding with some interesting (well, I think so...) pictures

 

[MardyMare]

For anyone interested, I have posted a thread in breeding with some interesting (well, I think so...) pictures

hi - I went through a similar thing with one of my mares a few years back - would you mind if I added some pics - it was fascinating although gory and my poor little mare went through hell. A new horse to the yard brought the virus and the entire yard was quarantined. Only one of my mares seemed to suffer the full blown effect.

 

[ester]

There is a thread stickied at the top of the vet forum for photos of your horses ailments if you want to upload a few more too

 

[MardyMare]

Thanks Ester - good idea will post there

 

[MasterBenedict]

hi - I went through a similar thing with one of my mares a few years back - would you mind if I added some pics - it was fascinating although gory and my poor little mare went through hell. A new horse to the yard brought the virus and the entire yard was quarantined. Only one of my mares seemed to suffer the full blown effect.

Yes please, would love to see!