When a horse has strangles does the mucus stink really bad?

Question

I have a mini that has an infection. I went on vacation and when I got home she was so sick. She is usually turned out and we put her up with hay while we were gone to make it easier for her caretakers. She has a horrible green snot. I had a vet check her and he said she has an upper respiratory infection from the hay. He gave her an antibiotic. My neighbors who all have horses are really concerned that it is strangles. So I am looking for something to convince them she does not so they do not have to worry. She does not leave our pasture and has not been exposed. Please give me some ideas if you have any. If you can think of anything else that may make my mini feel better I would love to hear. Some times the best medical care comes from other horse people.

Answer 1

If your mini has not been exposed to any new animals, or a new environment, then there is no reason to suspect strangles infection.  If she had been recently vaccinated for strangles, she might develop a mild case from the vaccine.

It is far more likely that your vet has correctly identified the cause.  She was stalled and fed hay, breathed the hay dust excessively since she was kept inside, which caused inflammation in her respiratory tract.  Inflamed tissues are susceptible to infection by viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, etc.  So, the green mucus tells you that an infection has developed, as your vet diagnosed.  Your neighbors should quit worrying once they realize that she has not been exposed to strangles.  Follow the treatment prescribed by your vet, who is a better resource for medical care than other horse people.  If you had a child, would you listen to your pediatrician, or follow the advice of any other mom on the block when the baby was sick?  This is no different.

Answer 2

If you had the vet check her out, and shes on antibiotics she should be fine. Your neighbors should not be so concerned, if they are so worried about it, then its their job to make sure the keep their horses away from your mini.

I would just keep a close eye on her, if you notice any changes in her condition call the vet right away!

Best wishes... and I hope she will be ok :)