Overview: Strangles, also known as equine distemper, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects horses. However, dogs can also contract a similar infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, which can lead to complications like abscesses and pneumonia. This article provides a detailed explanation of strangles in dogs, covering its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
What is Strangles in Dogs?
Strangles is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, a bacterium commonly found in horses. While horses are the primary hosts, dogs can contract a similar infection from infected horses, although it’s less common. The bacteria typically infect the upper respiratory tract, causing inflammation and abscess formation in the lymph nodes of the head and neck.
How is Strangles Spread in Dogs?
Strangles is spread through direct contact with infected animals, primarily through saliva, nasal discharge, or contact with contaminated materials. Dogs can get infected by:
- Direct contact with an infected horse: This can occur when dogs are in close proximity to infected horses, such as in stables or during grooming.
- Indirect contact: Dogs can contract strangles by coming into contact with contaminated objects like feed buckets, water bowls, or grooming tools used on infected horses.
Symptoms of Strangles in Dogs
The symptoms of strangles in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the infection. Some common signs include:
- Fever: An elevated body temperature is often the first sign of infection.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes in the head and neck region are a characteristic feature of strangles. These nodes may be painful to touch.
- Abscesses: The swollen lymph nodes may develop into abscesses, which are pus-filled pockets that can rupture and drain.
- Difficulty breathing: The infection can spread to the lungs, causing pneumonia, which can lead to labored breathing.
- Coughing: A persistent cough is another common symptom, especially if the infection has spread to the lungs.
- Discharge from the nose and eyes: Dogs may experience a watery or thick discharge from the nose and eyes.
- Loss of appetite: The infection can cause a decrease in appetite and lead to weight loss.
Diagnosing Strangles in Dogs
Veterinarians typically diagnose strangles based on the clinical signs and a physical examination. To confirm the diagnosis, they may perform a bacterial culture of the nasal discharge or abscess fluid.
Treating Strangles in Dogs
Treatment for strangles in dogs usually involves a combination of antibiotics and supportive care.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics, such as penicillin, are given to combat the bacterial infection and prevent complications.
- Supportive Care: Supportive care measures may include:
- Pain relief: Medications to manage pain and discomfort.
- Fluid therapy: Intravenous fluids may be administered to prevent dehydration.
- Drainage of abscesses: Abscesses may need to be drained and cleaned to prevent further infection.
- Monitoring for complications: Veterinarians will closely monitor the dog for complications like pneumonia.
Preventing Strangles in Dogs
The best way to prevent strangles in dogs is to avoid contact with infected horses. Here are some tips to minimize the risk of infection:
- Limit exposure: Avoid bringing dogs into contact with horses, especially if you know or suspect a horse may be infected with strangles.
- Proper hygiene: Practice good hygiene when handling horses. Wash your hands thoroughly after interacting with horses and avoid sharing equipment.
- Vaccination: While there is no specific vaccine for strangles in dogs, vaccinating horses can help reduce the spread of the infection.
Potential Complications of Strangles in Dogs
Strangles in dogs can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Some potential complications include:
- Pneumonia: The infection can spread to the lungs, causing pneumonia, a serious lung infection.
- Abscesses: Abscesses can form in various areas of the body, including the lymph nodes, throat, and lungs.
- Septicemia: In severe cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
- Death: Strangles can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Long-Term Effects of Strangles in Dogs
Dogs that recover from strangles may experience long-term effects. Some potential long-term effects include:
- Chronic respiratory problems: The infection can damage the lungs, leading to chronic respiratory issues.
- Scarring: Abscesses can leave behind scars, particularly in the lymph nodes and throat.
- Immune suppression: The infection can weaken the immune system, making the dog more susceptible to other infections.
How to Protect Your Dog From Strangles
Here are some steps you can take to protect your dog from strangles:
- Keep dogs away from horses: Avoid bringing your dog near horses, especially if you are unsure about their health status.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after interacting with horses and avoid sharing equipment.
- Monitor your dog’s health: Pay attention to any changes in your dog’s health, especially if they have been in contact with horses.
Conclusion
Strangles, while primarily a horse disease, can affect dogs, leading to serious complications if left untreated. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this infection is crucial for pet owners. By following preventive measures and seeking prompt veterinary care, you can help protect your dog from this potentially dangerous condition.
FAQ
What is Strangles in dogs?
Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the upper respiratory system of dogs. It is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, which is commonly found in horses. While it is rare in dogs, it can be serious, particularly in puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems. The bacteria primarily affects the lymph nodes in the head and neck, causing swelling, abscesses, and difficulty breathing.
The most common symptoms of Strangles include swollen lymph nodes in the throat, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, and coughing. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the lungs, causing pneumonia.
How is Strangles spread?
Strangles is spread through direct contact with an infected dog or through contact with contaminated materials, such as bedding, food bowls, or grooming tools. It can also be spread through the air, particularly in confined spaces. The bacteria can survive for several days in the environment, making it difficult to prevent the spread of infection.
Dogs are most contagious during the early stages of the infection, before they start showing symptoms. Once an infected dog develops abscesses, they become less contagious. However, it is important to note that even after an infected dog has recovered, they can still carry the bacteria and spread it to other dogs.
What are the symptoms of Strangles?
The most common symptoms of Strangles include swollen lymph nodes in the throat, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, nasal discharge, and coughing. The swelling of the lymph nodes, often referred to as “glanders,” can be noticeable and painful for the dog. In some cases, the swollen lymph nodes may rupture, leading to pus draining from the abscesses.
If left untreated, Strangles can progress to more serious complications, such as pneumonia, abscesses in the lungs, and even death. It is crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately if you suspect your dog may have Strangles.
How is Strangles diagnosed?
Diagnosing Strangles in dogs can be challenging as the symptoms are similar to other respiratory infections. Your veterinarian will likely perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and analyze nasal swabs or fluid from the abscesses. They may also use blood tests to determine if the dog has antibodies against Streptococcus equi.
To confirm the diagnosis, the bacteria must be isolated and identified through laboratory testing. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your veterinarian will develop a treatment plan to address the infection and prevent its spread to other dogs.
How is Strangles treated?
The treatment for Strangles typically involves antibiotics to fight the infection. Your veterinarian may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain. In cases of abscesses, they may need to be drained and cleaned.
It’s crucial to follow the veterinarian’s instructions regarding medication and care. Proper hygiene practices are also essential to prevent the spread of the infection. This includes disinfecting surfaces and equipment, isolating infected dogs, and washing hands thoroughly after handling an infected dog.
How can I prevent Strangles in my dog?
The best way to prevent Strangles in your dog is to avoid contact with infected dogs. If you are considering adopting a new dog, it is essential to ensure that the dog has been vaccinated against Strangles. It’s also crucial to practice good hygiene measures, such as washing your hands after handling other dogs or their belongings, and disinfecting surfaces and equipment.
Additionally, keeping your dog’s immune system strong through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and appropriate vaccinations can help protect them against Strangles. However, it’s important to remember that even with these precautions, it’s not possible to completely eliminate the risk of infection.
Is there a vaccine for Strangles in dogs?
While there is no commercially available vaccine specifically for Strangles in dogs, there are vaccines available for horses. These vaccines can help reduce the risk of infection in dogs that come into contact with horses. Additionally, certain intranasal vaccines for horses can potentially provide some cross-protection against Strangles in dogs. However, it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian for further information and recommendations regarding vaccination.
It’s important to understand that even with vaccination, there is no guarantee that your dog will be completely protected from Strangles. Vaccination is just one part of a comprehensive approach to preventing infection, along with good hygiene practices and avoiding contact with infected dogs.