Essential oils like therapeutic grade Lavender or Eucalyptus can bring comfort when a horse is coughing. Herbs like Licorice Root & Mullein promote health through therapeutic ways as well. If your horse isn’t greeting you at the gate, is resistant or dull to your cues, or is experiencing negative health conditions…
Full Answer
How do you treat sinusitis in a horse?
The sinus may be packed to help reduce bleeding, and this pressure packing is typically removed a day or two after surgery through the nostril with the horse standing. In cases of secondary sinusitis caused by dental disease, the affected tooth may be removed under standing sedation or general anesthesia.
How can I Help my coughing horse?
Customizing horse coughing remedies is always the most effective way to ensure relief for your horse. It might sound complicated to customize your horse’s care but it’s not. In fact, once you discover the step by step approach, I teach inside our Horse Health Hub, you’ll be overcome with relief.
What is a equine sinus?
Equine Sinuses Defined. Sinuses are air-filled cavities located on either side of the horse’s head, above, below and between the eyes. They extend down the face to the lower end of the cheekbones. Often referred to as paranasal sinuses because they are near the nose, sinuses have a smooth interior lining and are covered by a thin layer of bone.
What causes a horse to cough and have clear nasal discharge?
Equine Herpes Virus (EHV): A common cause of coughing and clear nasal discharge in young horses. This virus can spread quickly to all previously uninfected horses in the yard. It is usually a mild infection, although it can cause elevated temperatures and reduced feed intake.
How can I help my horse with runny nose and cough?
The symptoms of a runny nose, light or thick mucus, maybe a cough, maybe runny eyes, a temperature above the norm, lethargic; can be eased by reducing dust and spores which irritate. Clean bedding, wet hay, damp feed always given on the ground, good ventilation will help.
What to give a horse that has a cough?
Many viruses are harmless and the accompanying cough will often go away after a few days. Gentle exercise in the open air can help to get rid of the mucus. To be on the safe side, a horse with wet nasal discharge should be separated from other horses. If in doubt, you can always call the vet.
What can you give a horse for upper respiratory infection?
Ceftiofur sodium was evaluated as a therapy for respiratory infections in horses. This cephalosporin antimicrobial was administered intramuscularly every 24 h and at a dose of 2.2 mg/kg (1.0 mg/lb) of body weight.
What does it mean if a horse has a cough and runny nose?
Equine respiratory infections affect the breathing, feeding and performance of horses. Common signs of a respiratory infection include a cough, runny nose, fever and depressed or listless behavior. Diseases of the respiratory tract are common in winter, spring and fall.
Will Honey help a horses cough?
1. Contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Honey is more than a sweet treat that provides relief from a cough – it's also loaded with nutrients. According to Manuka Honey USA, this natural product contains calcium and protein as well as vitamins A and B.
How do you treat respiratory allergies in horses?
The most effective way of reducing airborne spores and particles within hay for horses with asthma, is to steam it using a specifically designed forage steamer. Steaming in this way has been shown to reduce respirable particles by 98% whilst retaining the hygiene quality of the hay.
Can horses cough up phlegm?
THE MUCUS-FLYING COUGH Any mucus expelling cough usually indicates an inflammation in one or more areas of the horse's airways. The thickness and colour of the mucus can give a good indication as to the cause of the problem: Horses with allergies — Thin, clear or lightly coloured mucus.
How long does a respiratory virus last in horses?
Nasal discharge usually is clear at first, but often changes to yellow, then green after a few days. Horses typically will develop a mild cough and some will have minor lymph node enlargement under their jaws. In uncomplicated cases, most horses will recover in seven to 14 days.
How do you treat a sinus infection in a horse?
Treatment. In acute cases the horse is usually medicated with systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, and re-evaluated in 2 weeks. If the sinus infection does not get better in 2 weeks then surgical options need to be explored.
When should I worry about my horse's cough?
THE MUCUS-FLYING COUGH The thickness and colour of the mucus can give a good indication as to the cause of the problem: Horses with allergies — Thin, clear or lightly coloured mucus. Horses with bacterial infection — Thicker discharge, yellow/white in colour.
When your horse has a cough?
Two common causes of cough that owners often confuse are Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), better known as “heaves,” and Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD). RAO is a condition that generally affects older horses. These horses show increased respiratory effort at rest, exercise intolerance, and a cough.
How to treat sinusitis?
Trephination is performed under standing sedation and local anesthesia. A small circle of bone overlying the affected sinus is removed (~10 mm) and a catheter can be inserted into the hole and maintained for multiple days to facilitate regular irrigation and flushing (Figure 5). Fluid and discharge produced from the nostrils is a good sign, and indicates a patent route for drainage from the sinus. The number of flushes depends on the degree and character of infection. Repeat endoscopy and lack of continued nasal discharge are two ways to assess the sinusitis has resolved..
What is the best treatment for sinusitis?
Anti-inflammatories are typically used for all cases of sinusitis, to help reduce any swelling or discomfort associated with the condition or surgical procedures. Ideally bacterial culture and sensitivity are used to select an appropriate antibiotic for lavage of the affected sinus (es). In some cases, systemic antibiotics or antifungal medications may also be indicated.
What is secondary sinusitis?
Secondary sinusitis is an infection of the paranasal sinuses as a result of another primary cause, such as tooth root infection, bone fracture, or sinus cyst.
How to treat paranasal sinusitis?
Primary paranasal sinusitis usually resolves with systemic antibiotic therapy and lavage. The exception is when the exudate becomes inspissated and obstructs appropriate flow through the nasal passages. In cases of secondary sinusitis, the primary disease must also be treated in order to fully resolve the sinusitis. Surgical treatments that may be used to remove exudate and provide additional drainage, if necessary, include sinus trephination and sinusotomy.
What is the disease of the paranasal sinuses?
The bone overlying the sinuses is very thin, and can be easily distorted by disease. Sinusitis refers to inflammation or infection of one or more of the paranasal sinuses, and it is the most commonly encountered disease of the paranasal sinuses. It is classified as either primary or secondary, and acute or chronic.
What is the most common sign of sinusitis?
The most common sign of sinusitis (either primary or secondary) is nasal discharge. The nasal discharge usually occurs on the side of the affected sinus (unilateral) only (Figure 1). The appearance and character of the discharge is variable, and may contain pus or blood, with or without an odor.
How long does it take to get out of hospital for sinusitis?
The duration of hospitalization for sinusitis depends on the underlying cause for the condition, and ranges from less than a day to several days. Repeat evaluation is likely needed to confirm the sinusitis has completely resolved.
How to treat sinusitis in horses?
This is done with medication, irrigation, and surgery if needed.
What is the procedure for a horse with sinuses?
Trephination is performed while the horse is standing under sedation and anesthesia, and uses an antibiotic solution to flush out the sinuses. An endoscopy can be used to assess the progress. Sinusotomy can also take place on a standing horse, and involves placing a catheter to assist in drainage.
What causes sinuses in horses?
Sinusitis occurs when those cavities become inflamed or infected. Seen in all ages of horses, sinusitis is most commonly caused by an upper respiratory infection.
Why do horses have sinuses?
Premolar and molar tooth roots can become diseased, a cyst or tumor could cause a blockage, or a condition such as Cushing’s disease could predispose a horse to sinus problems.
What causes secondary sinusitis?
Secondary Sinusitis. This type is caused by another primary condition, such as dental disease, bone fractures, granulomatous lesions, sinus cyst, or a neoplasia, and accounts for half of all cases of sinusitis.
How to tell if a horse has sinusitis?
Symptoms of Sinusitis in Horses. Nasal discharge, that may or may not contain pus, blood, or an odor. Facial swelling or deformity. Squinting of the eye. Labored breathing. Noisy breathing. Intermittent hemorrhage from the nose. Coughing. Foul smelling breath.
What tests are done to diagnose sinusitis?
These tests can include an endoscopic exam to look for the origin of the discharge, X-rays and CT scans to identify fractures, sinus cysts, neoplasia, or dental disease, and percussion of the sinuses. To further diagnose a bacterial or fungal infection, or a neoplasia, bacterial cultures are tested from biopsies, aspiration, or a sinoscopy.
How to treat secondary sinusitis in horses?
To manage the secondary sinusitis, the veterinarian performed sinoscopy (using an endoscope to visually examine the abscess) to identify and remove the abscess. In addition, the veterinarian removed the affected tooth and again treated the horse with antibiotics.
Where are horses' sinus cavities?
Your horse’s sinus cavities are complex: A variety of caverns of different sizes and shapes rest just behind the bones of his face, surrounded by soft tissue and abutting his molars. This makes diagnosing and managing equine sinus diseases challenging for veterinarians. In fact, an estimated 47% of horses that undergo sinus surgery reportedly ...
Do horses wear blankets in winter?
Yes, my horse will wear a blanket this winter.
Can equine herpes cause sinusitis?
The veterinarian recognized that equine influenza and even equine herpesvirus-4 can produce sufficient mucus to cause inflammation of the sinus lining (what we know as sinusitis), which can block normal mucus drainage. Inspissated (thickened) pus accumulated in this horse’s sinuses, especially in the ventral conchal sinus.
Signs of Respiratory Problems in Horses
A cough indicates that there is irritation in the horse’s respiratory system. There are many different types of coughs and their differences can help to determine the cause.
Veterinary Investigation
Coughing accompanied by nasal discharge, high temperature, reduced performance, or that has affected several horses on the same premises should always be investigated by a veterinarian. A full veterinary investigation may include; listening to the horse’s chest, blood work, nasal swabs, endoscopic examination, tracheal or lung wash.
What Causes a Horse to Cough?
Influenza: Despite vaccination, influenza (Flu) infection is still a common cause of respiratory infection and coughing in horses. Influenza is caused by a virus and spreads rapidly through a yard to all horses stabled together. Influenza is usually accompanied by an elevated temperature along with reduced appetite.
Horse Cough Treatment
As coughing horses are affected by such a diverse range of causes, there will also be a wide variation of treatments. A good rule of thumb for horse affected by influenza, herpes or strangles is to give the horse two days rest for every day of coughing.
Why does my horse cough?
Just like humans, dry dusty environments with debris-filled air will cause your horse to cough. A horse may also suffer from allergies, which can be detected by a cough with an accompanying clear or light-colored discharge from their nose.
What temperature should a horse have for a cough?
Coughs linked to bacterial or viral infections are easily identified by checking the temperature of on’s horse. Thus, a temperature over 101.5 should signal you to call your veterinarian. Viral infections generally present itself with a higher grade fever initially, as the body tries to fight off the virus.
What does it mean when a horse coughs?
Persistent coughing in horses is abnormal and can indicate a number of problems. A temperature of 101.5 degrees or higher can indicate a bacterial or viral infection. That warrants a call to your vet. You should also isolate the infected horse from the remainder of your herd to avoid further contamination.
Why does my horse cough when eating?
Coughing while eating can happen for a number of different reasons, one being that the horse hasn’t been able to chew fully his hay or prematurely swallowing it , thereby resorting to cough, an attempt to clear his airway from the obstruction which is mostly known as “Choke”. Now, this may happen occasionally and acutely, but if coughing during eating is an ongoing occurrence for your horse, you may want to take a peek at his teeth to ensure that they are in good condition and address any issues you may notice with your veterinarian.
How to stop a horse from breathing?
Exercise. If you notice that your horse appears to have difficulty breathing or seems to have reduced energy during exercise , especially when not due to environmental factors such as a dusty arena, it is best to stop the exercise and find out what the problem is.
Why do vets take my horse's temperature?
Your vet will employ the use of medical tools to help locate and treat the problem. They will first take your horse’s temperature because of the temperature over 101.5. It is a good indicator that the cause may be bacterial or viral. If no fever is present, then your vet may move on.
Why do vets use stethoscopes?
Thus, your vet will employ the use of their stethoscope to note respiratory noises or perhaps even an ultrasound if they cannot locate the source of the problem. They may even need to go further and internally examine your four-legged friend with the use of an endoscope. It can help your vet identify structures that are inhibiting breathing or diagnose physical abnormalities .
What causes respiratory infections in horses?
Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your horse against several common causes of equine respiratory infections. Viral: Myxoviruses cause the most uniformly severe viral infection in horses-influenza. As in people, influenza typically causes higher fevers and more lung damage, and has many potential complications.
What is the cause of equine respiratory disease?
Equine viral arteritis is caused by yet another type of virus, the pestivirus. It is best known for causing abortion and severe leg/belly edema but may also cause respiratory symptoms. Fungal: Fungal infections of the respiratory system are not as common as bacterial or viral, but they can occur.
What is the most common disease in horses?
While flu takes the honors for severity, herpes virus in the form of rhinopneumonitis wins hands-down for how widespread it is. Once infected, the virus remains with the horse for life. Foals and aged horses are the most likely to have symptoms, which range from a slight snotty nose to a cold-like illness with fever and cough.
How long does it take for a horse to get sick?
Respiratory infections are the most common infectious diseases of horses. The acute infection in horses can sideline your horse anywhere from a week to a month. Worse yet, complications can have even more serious and long-lasting effects for your horse
How to tell if a horse is sick?
Look for symptoms like those you'd see in a human: lethargy, runny nose, cough, fever, and loss of appetite. Separate your sick horse from the rest of the herd as soon as you notice symptoms. Keep an eye on other horses that have been exposed to the sick horse.
Why do horses have weak lungs?
In otherwise healthy adults, this usually occurs after the lung has been irritated by a virus infection, or in horses with weak lungs because of chronic allergic disease. Heavy exercise and shipping are also risk factors for developing bacterial pneumonia (and viral infections), because they cause a temporary weakening of the immune system. Both foals and aged horses, which have weaker immune systems, may be more susceptible to bacterial invasion of the lungs.
Can horses shed herpes?
When this happens, the horse may again show symptoms of respiratory disease or, at the least, will begin to shed the virus, exposing other horses to the disease even if he is not showing symptoms himself. Herpes virus can also invade other organs.
How to treat sinus infection in horses?
Once an infection is determined, it can be treated with antibiotics or, in more severe cases, a lavage (flushing) of the sinuses. After your horse is sedated, a small hole is made in the facial bones to access the sinuses for irrigation.
Where are the sinuses on a horse?
Sinuses are air-filled cavities located on either side of the horse’s head, above, below and between the eyes. They extend down the face to the lower end of the cheekbones. Often referred to as paranasal sinuses because they are near the nose, sinuses have a smooth interior lining and are covered by a thin layer of bone.
Why does my vet discharge so much?
Such discharge may be caused by sinusitis or a more serious sinus disease, such as a growth in the sinuses.
How many sinuses are there on a horse?
There are six pairs of paranasal sinuses on each side of the horse’s head. The two frontal sinuses are closest to the surface of the forehead. The two maxillary sinuses are the largest sinuses and divided by a thin wall (septum) into two parts called rostral and caudal. The maxillary sinuses house the roots of the molars.
What is the name of the disease that causes a horse's nose to bleed?
It could be the sign of a rare, life-threatening fungal infection called guttural pouch mycosis . A horse has two large guttural pouches, one on each side of the head, located high in the skull beneath the ear.
What is a guttural pouch mycosis?
pinterest-pin-it. Guttural pouch mycosis is a serious fungal infection of blood vessels within pouches of the horse’s upper airway.
Which sinuses house the roots of the molars?
The maxillary sinuses house the roots of the molars. The remaining pairs of sinuses are called dorsal conchae, middle (ethmoidal) conchae, ventral conchae and sphenopalatine sinuses. These sinuses communicate with each other via a complex network of passages.
What causes nasal discharge in horses?
Bacteria. Among the most common bacterial causes of nasal discharge are Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus, which can lead to pneumonia, and S. equi subsp. equi, which produces strangles. Often horses with strangles don’t develop nasal discharge until later in the disease process, once internal abscesses rupture.
Why does my horse have a runny nose?
Many other causes fall between the two extremes. The mucous membranes lining your horse’s nasal passage s are sensitive, just like yours. Anything, infectious or not, that aggravates them or causes inflammation can lead to production of additional mucus or fluid and the telltale runny nose.
What does it mean when a horse has red blood in his nose?
Unless the horse just finished strenuous exercise resulting in exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH, or “bleeding”), a fungal or bacterial infection within the guttural pouches could be to blame.
Why is my horse's nose white?
Scenario 1: The horse has a watery or white nasal discharge and shows no other clinical signs. Horses with a bilateral watery or mucoid discharge could be reacting to environmental irritants (such as dust) or suffering from equine asthma or allergies. (Horses with asthma) usually still have a bright eye, they want to eat.
What is the normal heart rate for a horse?
The normal resting heart rate for an adult horse is 28-44 beats per minute.
Why does my horse swing his head?
Additional signs of a fungal infection can include cranial nerve abnormalities, such as the horse holding or swinging his head oddly to one side due to loss of innervation, swallowing issues , and signs of Horner’s syndrome (e.g., drooping eyelids, sunken eyes, a raised or swollen third eyelid, constricted pupils, abnormal sweating on the affected side).
Why is my horse's discharge yellow?
Horses with thick, yellow bilateral discharge and other signs of illness might be suffering from a viral or bacterial infection.