Strangles in a stallion in southeast Nigeria: clinical and pathological report

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Published: Jul 9, 2023
Updated: 2023-07-09
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2023-07-09 (2)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.28672
Keywords:
horse strangles clinicopathologic findings.
CC Okolo
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria
AO Igwe
Department of Veterinary Pathology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
IC Ugochukwu
Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria
JN Omeke
Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria
DC Anyogu
Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria
KO Ogbuanya
Department of Veterinary Surgery, University of Nigeria
NE Nweze
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria
SVO Shoyinka
Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria
Abstract

ABSTRACT. Streptococcus equi subspecies equi is the causative agent of strangles, a highly contagious mucopurulent upper respiratory tract infection of horses. This report describes the clinicopathologic findings of a fatal case of pulmonary form of strangles in a two-and-half-year-old stallion presented at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Southeast Nigeria. Treatment was attempted in quarantine using high doses of procaine penicillin; but it was unsuccessful. The clinical signs observed in the affected horse include a left unilateral supra-orbital swelling containing purulent matter, which progressed to a chronic intractable exudative pus. Anaemia with leukocytosis (due to neutrophilia) were observed in the haematologic parameters. Gross and histologic lesions were multifocally extensive abscessing necrotic lymphadenitis and bronchopneumonia with inflammatory oedema and infiltrate of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
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  • Case Report
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