Strangles

[bevbob]

Has anyone had the vacination on here?
I believe its had some bad press when it was first brought out but its been put right now?

We have god knows how many cases at our yard now.... there are 5 that I know of, one that has been in Bobs field. The majoritiy of the horses who have it are the ones who live out and are in a different field that isnt near Bobbys but that doesnt go to say it wont spread because it has.

Bobs is showing no signs of it thank god and he is now in his stable 24hrs which is for the best I think.
YO has said we are all to have them vacinated against it when possible, is there anybody who knows more about the vacine, I cant seem to find anything on it other than the ads telling you to have it done?
Also, I was thinking of taking his temp every day, can I do this with just an ordinary thermometer? lol, I dont fancy sticking it up his bum but it might give me an indication if he is going to get it and then I can get some penicillin? Iv read its only really effective in the early stages before the abcesses.

Thanks.

[SuzieP]

Crikey Bev - you must be worried sick. I don't know enough to advise you. Maybe you could get hold of a veterinary digital thermometer to take Bobs' temperature. LOL at sticking it up his bum - I'm sure he won't mind!

Could you maybe ask your vet for advice re the vaccine?

[harveydales]

LOL, any normal human thermometer will be fine. I think it is a good idea to
monitor his temperature daily for the moment. Remember to take it at the same time each day because it does vary slightly throughout the day. A bit of vasaline helps and remember to keep hold of it!

Sue is right, it would be worth talking to your vet about the vaccine.

[loopylou]

The one thing i would be concerned about is that some horses can be carriers rather than show the the signs. I would have a chat with your vet, i am sure they will have leaflets to explain more about the vacs.

Poor thing, it must be a big worry for you. Fingers crossed Bobs stays strangles free.

I find it a mind field trying to get as much info on strangles. Might be worth looking on the BHS web site, they might also have more info on the vacs.

[bevbob]

Iv been chatting tonight and a vet nurse on the yard says the vaccine isnt available until Spring? not sure if thats right but I would have thought she knew what she was talking about.
Iv not done the temp bit tonight, Im going to start tomorrow night and see if I can get a longer thermometer? lol! I dont trust the reflex action of his bum grippers with my small one!
I was also wondering if anyone has used the ear thermometer? I wondered if that would work better as it only takes a second or if it wouldnt be accurate enough for a horse? Im hoping it will lol!

[bevbob]

Yes I did have a look on the BHS site loopyloo and it has a factsheet on strangles but I think its written by the makers of the vaccine? it looked that way anyhow.
Iv read about them being carriers and that is a worry, Ill give the vet a call tomorrow and see what he says.
I only found out that it can live longer in water last week and they can pass it on by drinking out of the same water troughs!

[harleydales]

Bev, I can't be any help here at all, but I hope Bobs and the other horses stay clear of strangles, and that the affected ones will be OK.
BIG hugs to you.

[Deleted]

Hi Bev, heres a web site thats has lots of info, if youve not already seen it. www.homeofrestforhorses.co.uk/pdfs/horsehealth/strangles.pdf.
good luck!
lisax

[zeldalithgow]

Bev if he does get it it's better not to give antibs they can make it worse so I've heard, how old is Bobs 12?.

Prince had it when he was 7 it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, I think the jab is quite expensive and has to be given regularly

[zeldalithgow]

Found this Bev www.horsetrust.org.uk/pdfs/horsehealth/strangles.pdf

and this www.strangles.org/

[Debbie]

The last I'd heard, the recent strangles vaccines were only halfway effective. At least the ones in the US. I think the vets in my area are holding out for a better vaccine. They don't recommend it, and say the horses do better on their own with supportive care.

What a scare though, with all those others at your stables having it. Let us know what your vet says.

Oh, and Blossom's got her own digi thermometer. I got it at the feed store. It doesn't take very long to register a temp, LOL...and its got her name on it!

[Deleted]

I can tell you what my vet had said....

he says that the vaccine is about 40% effective, there are two types of vaccines, the nasal and the injectable. He prefers in the injectable as they were having problems with the nasal. He says the one thing he could say positive about it was that if the horses contracted the disease, the case they contracted was likely to be less severe.

It is highly contagious, so keep all of his supplies seperated from anyone elses. Keep your hands washed clean if dealing with a horse with and horses without. Once a sick horse is better, wash the stall, bucket, etc clean with bleach/water to kill any germs. The bacterium can live in the soil for very long periods of time, years!

[olivia]

Oh Bev - what a worry for you.

With regards to taking the temp - it is a lot easier than you think it is going to be! Personally I would invest in a digital thermometer - they beep at you when they are ready to take out and so much easier to read. With one of those you just push in the thin end up to where it thickens, then wait for the beep, pull it out and it gives you a very acurate temperature.

Olivia

[dalesponyrider]

Oh Bev, what a worry. I'm afraid I haven't got any advice for you as I'm totally ignorant about strangles, but I have got loads of hugs for you! All the very best and you'll be in my thoughts and prayers. x

[harveydales]

Olivia's right, the digital ones are a lot easier and I always use those now.