Book-bot.com - read famous books online for free

Common Diseases of Farm Animals by D. V. M. R. A. Craig
page 307 of 328 (93%)
_The specific cause_, _Streptococcus equi_ (Fig. 113), was discovered by
Schutz in 1888. Strangles is commonly spread by exposing susceptible
animals to diseased animals, either by direct contact, or by exposing them
to the infection in the stable and allowing them to drink or eat food from
watering and feeding troughs on premises where the disease exists. The
predisposing causes are cold and sudden changes in the weather. For this
reason the disease is most prevalent during the late winter and early
spring.

[Illustration: FIG. 113.--Streptococcus of strangles.]

_The period of incubation varies_, usually from four to eight days.

_The symptoms_ at the beginning of the attack are a feverish condition and
partial loss of appetite. The visible mucous membranes are red and dry.
This is followed by watery nasal secretions that become heavy and purulent
within a few days. The inflammation may extend to the larynx and pharynx.

The glands in the region of the jaw become hot, swollen and painful, and
the animal may be unable to eat or drink. The swelling and inflammation of
the throat, and the heavy, pus-like secretions that accumulate in the nasal
cavities, cause difficult respirations. After a few days the abscesses
usually break, and the symptoms are less severe. If the abscesses break on
the inside of the throat, the discharge from the nostrils is increased.

The disease may be accompanied by an eruption of nodules, or vesicles on
the skin, or nasal mucous membrane.

In severe and chronic cases multiple abscesses may form. This complication
is indicated by emaciation and weakness. Such cases usually terminate in
DigitalOcean Referral Badge