Tetanus and strangles are two serious horse diseases that can be difficult, expensive and sometimes heartbreaking to treat, which is why vaccination is so important. In this episode, we explain what causes each disease, the signs horse owners should watch for, how these infections spread, and why prevention through vaccination is far easier than trying to manage an outbreak or severe case.
Podcast Summary: Understanding Tetanus and Strangles in Horses
- Tetanus is caused by a bacterial toxin commonly found in soil and is usually introduced through wounds, abscesses or punctures.
- Horses are particularly sensitive to tetanus toxin compared with many other animal species.
- Even a very small wound can allow tetanus bacteria to enter the body and cause serious illness.
- Tetanus affects the nervous system, causing muscle rigidity, spasms, a stiff stance, facial tension and eventually difficulty breathing.
- Tetanus progresses quickly and is often fatal without aggressive treatment.
- Treatment for tetanus is difficult, expensive and involves locating the infection source, debriding wounds, administering tetanus antitoxin and intensive supportive care.
- Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract in horses.
- It commonly causes fever, nasal discharge and painful swelling or abscessation of lymph nodes around the throat and jaw.
- Strangles spreads easily between horses through shared water, feed bins, equipment, people and contaminated environments.
- While many horses recover from uncomplicated strangles, outbreaks can spread quickly through properties or horse events.
- Complications of strangles include “bastard strangles,” where infection spreads internally, and purpura haemorrhagica, a severe immune-mediated complication.
- Some horses can become long-term carriers of strangles and continue spreading the disease without obvious symptoms.
- Vaccination is available for both tetanus and strangles and is much safer than attempting treatment after infection.
- Pregnant mares should be vaccinated before foaling to help pass immunity to foals through colostrum.
- Foals require a vaccination schedule that begins around 12 weeks of age, followed by boosters.
- Strangles requires more frequent booster coverage than tetanus.
Episode Timestamps
- 00:02 – Introduction to tetanus and strangles in horses
- 00:55 – What tetanus is and why horses are so vulnerable
- 02:18 – How tetanus bacteria enters through wounds and abscesses
- 03:37 – Why tetanus is often fatal and difficult to treat
- 04:53 – Symptoms of tetanus in horses
- 07:35 – Tetanus treatment options and why they are costly
- 12:20 – Introduction to strangles and how it differs from tetanus
- 13:05 – How strangles spreads between horses
- 14:53 – Common symptoms of strangles
- 15:32 – Complications including bastard strangles and purpura haemorrhagica
- 18:54 – Carrier horses and why outbreaks can be hard to control
- 20:29 – Prognosis for uncomplicated strangles cases
- 24:48 – Why vaccination is the best prevention for both diseases
- 27:09 – Vaccination timing for pregnant mares
- 28:09 – Foal vaccination schedule and tetanus antitoxin use
- 29:12 – Booster timing for tetanus and strangles vaccines
General advice only. If you suspect your horse may have tetanus or strangles, contact your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis, treatment and biosecurity advice.