Tetanus and strangles are both serious diseases in horses and are easily preventable through vaccination.
Tetanus
Tetanus occurs when a wound becomes infected with bacterial spores of Clostridium tetani. Some cases of tetanus occur from wounds that are so small they are not noticed.
Signs
A stiff-legged gait, often with the tail held out stiffly and the ears pricked. As the disease progresses the muscles become so rigid and stiff that the horse may fall and not be able to get up again. Convulsions may occur and death is caused by paralysis of the breathing muscles.
Where does it come from?
Spores a present in soil- these spores then contaminate a small wound and tetanus can result.
Treatment
Treatment is difficult, time consuming, very expensive and often unsuccessful.
Control
Vaccination is the only way to provide safe, effective long-term protection against tetanus. Vaccination will give you peace of mind that a small wound won’t cause life-threatening disease in your horse or pony.
Strangles
Strangles is the most important infectious disease affecting horses. It is caused by a highly contagious bug, called Streptococcus equi.
If your horse shares a paddock with other horses or goes out for group rides, pony club, or shows they could be infected.
Signs
It’s called strangles because horses get a massive swelling in the throat which can be so big it restricts their breathing. The swelling contains pus which makes the horse feel very lethargic and unwell. You may also notice a nasal discharge.
Where does it come from?
It is spread in the pus that comes from the nose and burst abscesses. Any objects that are exposed to this are then infectious if used with other horses. Horses that recover from the disease can still spread it to other horses for up to 8 months.
Treatment
Antibiotics can be used but often the abscesses need to be surgically cut open and drained. Because it’s so highly contagious an outbreak can be very expensive to treat.
Control
It is strongly recommended that all horses are vaccinated and boosters are given on time, especially just prior to any events.
Vaccination Protocol
If you have a young horse, or a horse that you are unsure of it’s vaccination history:
- Equivac 2-in-1 (strangles and tetanus)
- 2 weeks later
- Equivac S (strangles)
- 2 weeks later
- Equivac 2-in-1
- 1 year later
- Equivac 2-in-1
Once the initial course is done, you then vaccinate yearly for strangles and every 3-5 years for tetanus.
We can tailor a vaccination programme for your property, just give us a call!
