One of the horses in your stable has a fever and nasal discharge. This is not necessarily cause for concern, as it could just be a harmless cold. But a few days later, three more horses in the stable have exactly the same symptoms. It is noticeable that all affected horses have severely swollen lymph nodes on their heads. By now, at the latest, the veterinarians who have been called in are alert, because this respiratory disease is obviously very contagious. Swab samples are sent to the laboratory and the suspicion is quickly confirmed. It is strangles, a highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract in horses. Even though the disease is not notifiable or reportable, stable owners and horse owners should now act carefully to prevent further spread.
After an incubation period of approximately one to eight days, the first symptoms of glanders are usually fatigue, a slimy, purulent nasal discharge, coughing, and fever. A very characteristic symptom is swollen lymph nodes in the horse's head. As the disease progresses, the lymph nodes in the throat fill with purulent secretions and abscesses form. These can become so large that they cause breathing and swallowing difficulties.when these abscesses open or burst, the secretion can drain out and the body temperature returns to normal. Complications arise when the abscesses of the lymph nodes in the throat drain into the air sacs, where they become infected. Furthermore, the disease can spread to the lungs and cause pneumonia. If sick animals are not kept in isolation, the germs can spread through the blood to various organs, where they can also form abscesses. This is referred to as a metastatic form of glanders. Without treatment, the fever can last up to two weeks and, depending on its course, the disease can be fatal in rare cases.
The disease is caused by bacteria of the genus Streptococcus. These bacteria are not normally found in the environment. However, around 10% of the total horse population are carriers of these bacteria. They only become ill when a specific stimulus reactivates the pathogens. Young or immunocompromised horses are particularly susceptible. In such cases, even a harmless illness or stress can put such a strain on the immune system that it leads to the onset of strangles. The pathogen is transmitted via excreted secretions, in which it can survive for up to four days. The pathogen can even survive in water for up to eight weeks. Special hygiene and disinfection measures are therefore essential in the event of a strangles infection, as the bacteria can also be transmitted to other horses via drinking troughs, feed buckets or clothing, causing the disease to spread rapidly throughout the stable.
If the symptoms described above occur, a veterinarian should be called immediately. He will examine the sick animals, initiate treatment, and take further measures to protect the rest of the herd. The veterinarian can already make a tentative diagnosis based on the general clinical examination, the preliminary report, and the usually epidemic course of the disease in a barn. However, in order to identify the exact pathogen, it is necessary to take swab samples from the nose and throat or the air sac and have them examined in a laboratory.
Despite the bacterial pathogen that causes distemper, the use of antibiotics is also controversial among veterinarians. In the early stages, with mild fever and nasal discharge, it makes sense to use antibiotics to prevent the disease from progressing and, above all, to prevent the lymph nodes from abscessing and the pathogen from spreading further. However, it should be noted that horses treated with antibiotics develop only a low level of immunity to the pathogen. However, if abscesses have already formed, the pathogen inside them can no longer be reached by the administered antibiotic due to the abscess capsule. In this case, surgical measures to open the abscesses or warming compresses and ointments to help the abscesses mature are recommended. It is essential that the horse is rested for an appropriately long period of time to prevent any complications.
In addition to treating the sick animals, the entire stable must be quarantined during the illness, which means that no horses may leave the stable and no new horses may be brought in. Once the infection has been overcome, the entire stable must be thoroughly disinfected and the pastures of affected horses should not be used for at least one month.
Thanks to modern medication and treatment methods, the prognosis for this much-feared disease is good if detected early. All horses in a stable that have had the infection develop lifelong protection against strangles. In some horses, however, the streptococci can retreat into the air sac, where they cannot be reached by antibiotics. These horses become chronic carriers, as they repeatedly release small amounts of the pathogen into the airways over a long period of time. These small amounts do not pose a risk to horses with strong immune systems, but weak or old horses can become reinfected by these pathogens.
To prevent the spread of glanders, infected horses must be strictly separated from animals that are not yet sick. Indirect contact via humans or objects must also be prevented. Preventive vaccination against strangles for horses that are not (yet) sick in an affected stable is also possible. It does not prevent infection, but it can reduce the symptoms of the disease. Your veterinarian can advise you on the specific case. You can make an appointment directly via petsXL.
General preventive vaccination against strangles is not recommended due to the short-term protection offered by the vaccine and the possible side effects. However, general vaccination against influenza and herpes ensures good health and can reduce the risk of strangles infection.
Cats are among the most popular pets, with around 14.7 million living in German households alone and a total of approximately 46 million across Europe. Only about half of them are vaccinated and neutered, and therefore well protected against disease and unwanted reproduction. Many thousands of them roam the countryside as abandoned, stray, or feral cats.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is currently the most dangerous disease affecting rabbits. It is caused by a virus and causes blood clotting disorders (hemorrhagic = bleeding, causing hemorrhages). It is highly contagious and occurs worldwide in both domestic and wild rabbits. The infectious disease was first described in China in 1984, which is why it is also known as Chinese disease. Young animals and unvaccinated adult animals are particularly at risk.
Many dog owners will be familiar with this condition, which is colloquially referred to as foreskin inflammation. Recurring, yellowish-green, dripping discharge is very common, especially in young, unneutered male dogs.
A female dog's heat cycle is a natural process that is necessary for reproduction. Dogs quickly realize when this time has come. During the "heat days," you should therefore be particularly careful if you do not want your female dog to have offspring from a male dog that has wandered into your yard. Conversely, if you want to breed, you need to observe your dog's cycle and take her to the chosen male dog at the right time.
Many things are easier when done as a team – this applies to both humans and animals. There are dogs that help people live with disabilities. These dogs are not only special animals, they are also specially trained.
Cats are very resilient and do not show symptoms of illness until late stages. When is it an emergency? And what is the right thing to do? Here you will find useful information to help you assess your cat's condition. The most important thing is to stay calm and keep a clear head.
Horses are flight animals. They need their sense of sight to spot enemies as quickly as possible. We therefore sometimes have to battle our favorite's instincts, because a horse sees—and flees.
Sarcoid is the most common tumor in horses worldwide. It is a connective tissue tumor involving the skin that does not form metastases in internal organs but often recurs after surgical removal. It is therefore referred to as a semi-malignant tumor. Horses of all breeds and ages are affected, as well as donkeys and mules.
You've probably heard sayings like these before: Cats only see their owners as "can openers"! Cats aren't dogs, waiting to serve their masters... But cats can learn rules too.
Tetanus is a usually fatal, notifiable infectious disease caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This disease, also known as lockjaw, has been known since ancient times and is widespread throughout the world. Both humans and horses are particularly susceptible to the toxin, whereas dogs have only a low sensitivity and therefore do not need to be vaccinated.
Some people love it when their pony's coat shines in all its glory and even sparkles here and there. It is groomed and sprayed, the mane is braided, and hardly a hair is out of place. But coat and hoof care is not just a matter of appearance. Regular brushing means much more than that.
Birds groom themselves almost constantly: they clean themselves, sharpen their beaks and bite. But sometimes our feathered friends need a little help.
