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Strangles (also called equine distemper) is a contagious upper respiratory tract infection of horses and other equines caused by a Gram-positive bacterium, Streptococcus equi. [1] As a result, the lymph nodes swell, compressing the pharynx , larynx , and trachea , and can cause airway obstruction leading to death, hence the name strangles. [ 2 ]
Horses that develop purpura haemorrhagica usually have a recent history of strangles (infection with Streptococcus equi subsp. equi) or vaccination (intramuscular or intranasal) for strangles. It is thought to be caused by an auto-immune reaction where antibodies against the S. equi M- or R-protein cross-react with proteins on endothelial cells .
The bacteria Streptococcus equi, the causative agent of strangles, is commonly involved. Mycotic infections can also occur. [5] Some visible symptoms of guttural pouch disease include abnormal head and neck carriage, nasal discharge, painful swelling and occasional abnormal functioning of the structures associated with the pouch. [5]
Lymphangitis is commonly associated with a wound, which may be very minor. This is a likely entrance for bacterial access to the lymph ducts. The degree of lameness is variable, but may be sufficient to give the impression of a fracture. The horse may or may not be pyrexic (fevered). The limb may occasionally ooze serum.
EHV-4 is an upper respiratory disease restricted to the infection of the respiratory tract epithelium and its associated lymph nodes. [4] EHV 4 and its close relative EHV 1 are clinically and pathologically indistinguishable and are the primary pathogens that cause respiratory tract disease in young horses from weanling to 2 years of age. [5]
Skin eruption, usually on legs, occasionally head or neck, rarely other body parts. The lymph vessels in the skin stand out prominently, and small hard nodules approximately 1 cm (1/2") in diameter appear on their course. The nodules suppurate forming abscesses and discharge a thick yellow pus.
The infection can spread through the blood or lymphatic system, causing abscesses to form in other lymph nodes or internal organs throughout the body. Most commonly affected organs are the liver, lungs, kidneys and lymph nodes associated these organs. Abscesses grow gradually over time, and if they are located close to the skin, rupture is common.
Other symptoms include swelling of the lymph nodes under the jaw, and levelled swelling above the eyes. This form does not have as much swelling on the brain as the Cardiac form, the swelling is mostly around the organs [citation needed] Cardiac form. Replication cycle of African horse sickness virus (AHSV)