Strangles and shipping fever are worrisome. But, if that's what the vet has called it, DO NOT panic. (like I have done!)
Does your vet have Okie on any antibiotics? IF he DOES, make SURE you run the FULL COURSE of meds.
If the vet HASN'T prescribed the meds, let the 'sickness' run it's course. Keep a close eye on the horse, make sure he has plenty of hay, *fresh* grain, *fresh* water.
Markie can attest to the fact that antibiotics ARE helpful. But they prolong the 'recovery' time. AND she can tell ya what happens when the horse gets a hit-n-miss schedule of antibiotics.(that app at Pete's with bastard strangles)
Our vet has told us that it's either 'treat it all the way', or it's 'let it run its course'. If you treat it all the way, you will have to give it the immunization shot. If you let it run its course, they come out with their own natural immunities to it.
The vet said it wasn't strangles. The owner was concerned it was that or diphtheria (the same?). He's on antibiotics twice a day xs 10 days. I've been looking for his last immz record (last May). I really thought Rhino was included. He was really junked up. The vet said virus. I'm from the old school though that if green you treat so I'm glad he is on antibiotics to reduce complications.