how long does strangles last from early diagnosis ?

Question

my horse was diagnosed 5 weeks ago and she has had no signs of illness for just over 4 weeks but new swobs came back as positive today. and we are both going a bit stabble crazy. my vet is on holiday and no-one else will give me any answers please help

Answer 1

I would consult another vet. You are suffering because of your vet's holiday. While everyone has the right to have one, it's not fair to the horse.

Answer 2

strangles is contagious for up to a month after physical symptoms have passed, if you have been observing quarantine conditions you should not have infected other horses or reinfected your horse. from experience i have seen horses passing on strangles by being too hasty. maybe start excercising your horse in an area away form other horses for another couple of weeks to make sure and for yourself dont have contact with other horses yet. ask another vet for verification of the swab results , it would indicate that he is still infectious and should be kept in quarantine however i woiuld have thought you were past that stage by now.
the following paragraphs i got from a website it is quite interesting and may help.
good luck
How is strangles transmitted?
Streptococcus equi is transmitted by horse-to-horse contact or via humans, tack, feed and equipment. Transmission frequently occurs through shared water sources where the bacterium lives for longer periods of time.

What is the incubation period of the disease?
The incubation period of strangles is approximately a fortnight. However, new outbreaks can occur up to three weeks or more after the initial outbreak as infected horses can shed the bacterium for long periods. In addition, approximately 10% of recovered horses, known as ‘carriers’ may harbour strangles with no outward clinical signs, increasing the likelihood of recurrent outbreaks in unvaccinated horses. It is imperative, therefore, to minimise contact with horses of unknown origin.
http://www.equine-strangles.co.uk/StrangleswhatyouneedtoknowMarch2006PR72148.asp

Answer 3

Has your mare been quarantined? Strangles spreads very quickly. I agree you should get another vet to look at her and put her on antibiotics. You should also warn other yards in the area, and stop horses on your yard leaving or entering the premises. Check out www.bhs.org.uk and contact them for further advice.

Answer 4

Here is a link to a website that may help you.

http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/03-037.htm#diagnose