## Overview A pharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus in the retropharyngeal lymph nodes, most often secondary to Streptococcus equi (strangles). It causes difficulty swallowing, nasal discharge, swelling between the jaws, fever, and an extended head-and-neck posture. Large abscesses can compress the airway. ## Causes Bacterial infection, predominantly Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs, endoscopy, ultrasound of the retropharyngeal region, and culture. ## Treatment Antibiotics in selected cases, anti-inflammatories, and drainage when the abscess is mature and accessible. Airway support if compression occurs. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for most external or drainable abscesses. Complications include guttural pouch empyema or bastard strangles. ## Prevention Strangles biosecurity and vaccination where appropriate.
difficulty swallowing; nasal discharge; swelling between the mandibles; extended head and neck; fever
## Overview A pharyngeal abscess is a collection of pus in the retropharyngeal lymph nodes, most often secondary to Streptococcus equi (strangles). It causes difficulty swallowing, nasal discharge, swelling between the jaws, fever, and an extended head-and-neck posture. Large abscesses can compress the airway. ## Causes Bacterial infection, predominantly Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs, endoscopy, ultrasound of the retropharyngeal region, and culture. ## Treatment Antibiotics in selected cases, anti-inflammatories, and drainage when the abscess is mature and accessible. Airway support if compression occurs. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for most external or drainable abscesses. Complications include guttural pouch empyema or bastard strangles. ## Prevention Strangles biosecurity and vaccination where appropriate.
difficulty swallowing; nasal discharge; swelling between the mandibles; extended head and neck; fever