Strangles is a common and highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper airway caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi. Signs of disease are coughing, yellow nasal discharge, but most characteristically the development of large abscess swellings and yellow pus drainage from under and/or behind the jaw.

In rare cases these swellings can become so large that they compress the windpipe Infection between horses occurs from the spread of an infected horse's nasal discharge or the pus that is draining from an abscess. this is where the name comes from.

It is spread horse to horse, through direct contact or contact with drainage from an infected horse.

DIAGNOSIS- It is easy for vets (and experienced horse people) to presumptively diagnose a classic case of Strangles. There are few equine diseases that are as familiar and so obvious in their signs. On the other hand, there are other diseases that can mimic it, and it can take some unusual forms too, so DEFINITIVE diagnosis requires definite identification of the organism in the laboratory. Going for a definite diagnosis is wise because once the organism is identified, there will be a great effort made to prevent infection of other horses. If the agent is confirmed as another bacterial species, that effort may not be needed.

TREATMENT- Most cases of Strangles resolve on their own. Ultimately the abscesses burst, and drainage occurs and the swelling decreases. The veterinary goal is to prevent spread to other horses and to maximize patient health and comfort. The key to that is helping the abscesses drain.