Strangles strikes fear into the hearts of many horse owners and we have seen several cases over the last year. Strangles is an extremely contagious upper respiratory tract infection of horses and ponies caused by a type of Streptococcus bacteria. It occurs in horses of any age however young horses, from weaning age to two years, are most severely affected. 

Signs of strangles infection include a thick yellow nasal discharge, swelling of the lymph nodes and abscess formation around the head and neck, fever and loss of appetite. Treatment is often aimed to keeping the horse comfortable while the disease runs its course, and can include anti-inflammatories and antibiotics. Affected horses can take weeks to months to fully recover, and may remain a source of infection for weeks after the disease has seemed to resolved.

Strict hygiene and quarantine practices must be employed when attending an infected horse to ensure the disease is not spread. The bacteria that causes strangles is transmitted from horse to horse usually by direct contact, or contact with contaminated feed, equipment or handlers. After initial infection it takes one to three weeks for a horse to show signs of the disease. 

Horse sales and any situation where large numbers of horses mix are high risk for spreading strangles infections. So please be careful with your newly acquired horse and isolate them for at least three weeks, monitoring for signs of any ill health during this time.

Strangles truly is a case where prevention is better than a cure!

A strangles vaccine is available and minimises the risk to your horses. Strangles is also a notifiable disease in some areas. Call us to discuss an appropriate quarantine protocol and arrange vaccination on your property.

Leptospirosis is a contagious disease which infects both animals and humans. It is an occupational hazard for all people working with livestock (farmers, vets, abattoir workers etc). When humans are infected, it can cause severe illness.

The bacteria take residence in the kidneys of infected animals, and the reproductive tracts of females. The bacteria are then shed in the urine. This makes dairy workers particularly at risk due to the splashing of urine while milking cows. Like most bugs, they can live in the host's (for example a cow's) kidneys without doing any damage. These apparently healthy carriers are the main source of infection for other cattle as well as humans.

How do you go about managing the risk?

Under occupational health and safety regulations, it is required that farmers provide a safe environment for their employees. This requires steps be taken to minimise the risk of leptospirosis being contracted by all staff on farm. How is this done?

• The most effective way of protecting humans is to vaccinate cows regularly. Even if cows harbour the bacteria, it reduces shedding of the bacteria dramatically.
• Always wear waterproof gloves, aprons and boots while milking. 
• Be especially careful handling aborted material.
• In dairy sheds, use splash guards, cover drains and move away from urinating animals.
• Keep children away from dairy sheds, or provide them with a safe area where they are not likely to come in contact with urine.
• Always wash thoroughly after handling cattle, before eating, drinking or smoking.
• Drain or fence off low laying, swampy areas.
• Control rodents and feral pigs.

Call us for more info about vaccinating your herd.

Lameness is the most common complaint we receive from horse owners. Lameness is an abnormality in gait caused by pain in one, or multiple limbs. Low grade lameness may prevent your horse from performing to their full potential, whereas severe lameness may be life threatening. 

When investigating lameness in your horse our veterinarians start by asking questions regarding the age, breed and use of horse. It is important to consider whether the onset of lameness coincided with an event such as a competition, trail ride or accident. 

A thorough physical examination will be performed focusing on the feet, legs and upper limbs. Swelling or heat in an area may indicate a potential source of lameness. Examining the feet is routine as part of a soundness exam as we all know how common sore feet are. The soundness exam will involve watching the horse move at a walk and trot. An experienced eye can identify the lame leg.

Once the lame leg has been identified and carefully examined nerve blocks may be required. The improvement or abolition of lameness indicates the area desensitised by the nerve block is the source of the lameness. Once the location of the lameness has been identified the next step is often imaging the area. Radiographs (commonly known as X-rays) and ultrasound examinations are commonly used to visualise an arthritic joint, or damaged ligament for example. Exact diagnosis of lameness allows for accurate treatment which may include corrective shoeing, medications, exercise plans, paddock rest or, occasionally, surgery.

Call us to discuss the soundness of your horse.