CLINICAL STUDY OF STRANGLES AND ITS COMPLICATIONS (PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA) ON A HORSE FARM AT SOHAG GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

Zaitoun, A.M.; Ali, H.S.

doi:10.21608/avmj.1999.182489

CLINICAL STUDY OF STRANGLES AND ITS COMPLICATIONS (PURPURA HEMORRHAGICA) ON A HORSE FARM AT SOHAG GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

Document Type : Research article

Authors

Dept. of Animal Med. Fac. Vet. Med., Assiut University

10.21608/avmj.1999.182489

Abstract

Twelve cases out of 23 examined horses showed typical form of strangles. Out of the diseased horses, 5 cases developed signs of purpura hemorrahgica. Detailed clinical signs of this complicating form were described and discussed. Not all bacteriologically positive horses were clinically positive referring to asymptomatic carriers. Shedding of Streptococcus equi subsp < /em>. equi was intermittent. Source of infection in the investigated farm was determined. The cumulative incidence of the disease (strangles) of the investigated horses (which were bred in a wide-open yard) during the period of investigation was increased gradually and referred to the presence of assisting factor assisted in transmission of the infection from horse to another. This factor was monitored. Hemogram of the diseased horses with uncomplicated strangles showed leukocytosis with neutrophilia, while in cases that had signs of purpura hemorrhagica (parasitic free) showed anemia (microcytic hypochromic) and leukocytosis with neutrophilia and eosinophilia suggesting allergic responses to the bacterial infection led to blood losses. Therapeutic trials were successfully achieved. It is concluded that, the uncomplicated form of strangles in horses that bred in acceptable hygienic environment possibly has no systemic anti-microbial drugs. The undesirable therapeutic entrance of this classical form by intensive systemic antibiotics delayed the full maturation of the abscessed lymph nodes inadequate immune response). This persisted non-maturated abscessed node may produced a favorable chance for accelerating the complications, or probably adversely increased the sensitization of the horses to streptococcal infection and/or its toxic products. Anti-allergic drug as one of the therapeutic lines of strangles may have a beneficial value in treatment and probably preventing purpura
hemorrhagica. The negative results of 2 bacteriological nasal swabs with one-week interval were not sufficient for full declaration that horses become Streptococcus equi subsp < /em>. equi free. Three swabbing at weekly intervals is therefore recommended.