Hay mold is one of the most likely causes of coughing in horses. Chronic cough in horses is a common problem and can be a challenge to diagnose, writes Robert N. Oglesby DVM. Despite many possible causes there are two which are most likely: mold dust in the hay and an upper respiratory tract infection.
Should I be worried if my horse is coughing?
If your horse coughs occasionally, there is normally nothing to worry about . This is a perfectly natural way of keeping their airways clean from dust or small debris. Some coughs, however, may be an early sign of an inflammatory condition that deserves prompt action.
How do you treat a horse with a cough?
What to do: Rest the horse two days for every day he coughs and make sure he gets plenty of fresh air. Tell your veterinarian about the situation, though a farm visit may not be necessary. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, but careful nursing can help the horse’s immune system do its job.
Can worms cause a horse to cough?
Because these worms can migrate to the lungs, infected horses may show signs of respiratory disease such as cough or nasal discharge.
Why is my horse coughing and wheezing?
Equine RAO or severe equine asthma includes diseases characterized by bronchoconstriction (airway narrowing), excessive mucus secretion and obstruction to airflow resulting in reversible breathlessness , wheezing and coughing. Two forms of recurrent airway obstructive diseases of horses have been recognized for decades.
How long does a horse cough last?
Clinical signs and symptoms:
Dry, harsh to hacking cough usually precedes fever. Cough can last up to 6 weeks after all other clinical signs have abated. Influenza should be suspected when multiple horses in a group develop a sudden onset of hacking cough with at least some of the horses having a fever.
What are the signs of heaves in horses?
Horses with the more severe form of the disease may exhibit signs of difficult breathing ( nostril flaring and visible “heaving”) while at rest as well as frequent coughing, wheezing and exercise intolerance (that is, they may not be able to move any faster than a walk).
Is it bad when a horse coughs?
Contents. Any horse will cough occasionally , particularly if he catches a noseful of dusty air or gets a bit of debris in his airways while he’s eating or drinking. In that context, coughing in horses is just a normal sign of a healthy airway keeping itself clean.
Can horses have human cough medicine?
It’s never a good idea to use human nonprescription cough syrups or cold remedies in horses unless you have the specific approval of your veterinarian. Decongestants are usually avoided in favor of keeping the secretions moving and thinned. Many decongestants can also cause excitement.
Why is my horse coughing and runny nose?
Common viral infections that cause nasal discharge include equine rhinovirus, equine influenza and equine viral arteritis. Horses suffering from a possible respiratory viral infection may cough, have swollen lymph nodes, seem lethargic and have noticeable nasal discharge coming from both nostrils.
What are the symptoms of lungworm in horses?
- Persistent cough.
- Bronchitis.
- Labored breathing.
- Depression.
- Weakness.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
What are the signs of worms in horses?
- Weight loss.
- Colic.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Rough hair coat.
- Poor growth in foals.
- Respiratory problems. (nasal discharge, cough)
How do I know if my horse has pinworms?
What To Look For. Keep an eye out for skin irritation around the anus area , rubbing of the tail, as well as biting and licking of hindquarters. In some situations, changes in behavior such as nervousness and loss of appetite may occur.
What causes respiratory problems in horses?
Causes. The common infectious equine respiratory diseases are strangles, equine influenza and the equine herpesviruses . Other infections also circulate including the equine rhinitis viruses and equine adenoviruses, but these are less common.
Should I buy a horse with heaves?
Horse heaves is chronic and can threaten your horse’s long-term health and performance. Although your horse’s heaves can’t be cured, and severe cases are difficult to manage, catching it early will help you manage it as well as possible, and perhaps minimize its damage to your horse’s lungs.
Can heaves in horses be cured?
Is there a treatment for heaves? While there is no cure for heaves , elimination of the allergens from the affected horse’s environment often reduces or even resolves the clinical signs.
