Puppy strangles

Puppy strangles (Juvenile cellulitis) is a misnamed disease suggesting respiratory difficulty. The term cellulitis more appropriately describes the condition. Usually puppies contract the condition early from 4 weeks to 4 months of age. There is no predisposition to breed or gender. Not all puppies are affected in the litter but, the entire litter can be involved. Early signs include redness around the outside of the ear associated with edema (fluid under the skin). The disease quickly progresses to ulcerations of the skin and deep tissues around the ear, followed by draining tracts that can extend into the adjacent lymph nodes of the face and upper neck.

The cause of the disease is open. Historically, a bacteria has been suspected, in particular streptococcus species. However, bacterial cultures never confirm any bacterial infection. Antibiotic therapy alone is ineffective and helps to rule out a bacterial cause. More recently, immune reactions have been suspected. Research suggests a hypersensitivity reaction possibly to a previously eliminated bacteria. More importantly, the disease seems to respond to immunosuppressive therapy with consistency.

Treatment for strangles consists of support by keeping the areas clean and dry with diluted hydrogen peroxide and astringent (Burow¹s solution) washes several times a day. Additionaly, oral corticosteroids are used for 1-3 weeks on a reducing schedule. Oral antibiotics are frequently prescribed over 2 weeks for ancillary therapy. The coarse of the disease is usually less than 2 weeks but can last 4-6 weeks on more severe cases.
The prognosis is usually very good but some pups may require special nursing to insure adequate hydration and nutrition.