Very Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Generalized Swelling of Throat Behind Jaw
Summary
Generalized swelling of the throat area (not a hard, well-defined lump) can result from a wide variety of disease processes that relate to the structures that reside there, including the salivary glands, lymph nodes, the guttural pouches, the pharynx and larynx. Problems with any of these structures can cause swelling in this area.
Importantly, severe swelling in this area can be associated with Strangles (horse distemper), a highly contagious bacterial respiratory disease. Strangles usually (but not always) also causes nasal discharge, cough and swellings (abscesses) in the lymph nodes under the jaw. These may eventually burst and exude a thick yellow pus. Other signs of Strangles usually include fever, depression, and poor appetite.
Importantly, severe swelling in this area can be associated with Strangles (horse distemper), a highly contagious bacterial respiratory disease. Strangles usually (but not always) also causes nasal discharge, cough and swellings (abscesses) in the lymph nodes under the jaw. These may eventually burst and exude a thick yellow pus. Other signs of Strangles usually include fever, depression, and poor appetite.
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Code Red
Call Your Vet Immediately, Even Outside Business Hours- If there is severe swelling and your horse is making respiratory noise or seems to be having difficulty breathing.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) in the resting horse indicate fever (Temp >101F/38.3C) or heart rate greater than 48 BPM.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If you consider this a chronic and relatively mild problem that is not changing rapidly.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
your role
What To Do
Given that Strangles is highly contagious, your first priority is to isolate or quarantine your horse until your vet can be sure this is not the diagnosis.Evaluate your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) and share your findings and concerns with your vet.
What Not To Do
Do not try to cut open (lance) and drain a swelling on the throat without veterinary supervision.Do not transport a horse with throat or jaw swelling without veterinary assessment. They may be contagious to other horses.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Your vet uses history, physical examination, and other diagnostics to determine the nature of the swelling.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Do you notice the horse showing any other signs?
- Does the horse's attitude and appetite seem normal?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- Is the horse up-to-date on vaccinations, deworming and dentistry?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- Does the horse show a pain response when you apply pressure to the area?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
