Never even heard of The Rattles before this year. Had two foals diagnosed. Vet has never had any of his have it - 4 foals diagnosed and he treated another 6 just to be safe
Have had 3 fully grown horses with throat abscesses in the past month as well.
What the dickens
I've had three foals with the rattles over the years and it was very challenging, and heartbreaking, for all concerned. Nasty lung infection that can finish off a foal quickly. I trust that knowledge of the condition and treatments have advanced a fair bit over the past quarter century. Unfortunately the only vets we had ready access to with the first case were bovine specialists. The foal was a thoroughbred which later raced.
The second, a Stoneridge Scooter colt and outstanding foal, went away to stud with his mum only to contract the disease. It was not noticed until too late and he could not be saved. The next was a filly. After being born with pneumonia and recovering she got rattles! By then I had learnt enough and never broke her in, saving her as a broodmare. And she could never get in foal!
The condition is a rhodococcus disease and lies dormant in the soil. It becomes active mainly during wet years.
My fingers are crossed for your babies Katie. Good luck, hope what I have posted doesn't upset you too much.