Why Is My Horse Coughing? Solve this upsetting symptom in your horse today.
Understanding Respiratory Issues
Horse coughing is a common issue that can be frustrating for owners and something we often get called out for. It’s not always a sign of serious illness, but it can indicate underlying respiratory issues that need attention. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you provide the best care for your horse, ensuring their comfort, health, and performance.
Photo by Violeta Pencheva on Unsplash
Common Causes of Horse Coughing
Environmental Factors causing horse coughing
- Dust from hay, bedding, or other surfaces is a frequent irritant.
- Mould spores in hay and bedding can set off a respiratory reaction.
- Poor ventilation in stables exacerbates breathing problems.
- Accumulated urine under rubber matting can be a respiratory irritant.
- Pollens and spores can cause marked respiratory symptoms.
Infections
- Viral infections, such as equine influenza, are highly contagious, but severity of symptoms can be variable.
- Strangles is a bacterial infection which is both contagious and very serious.
- Other bacterial infections can cause severe coughing, other symptoms and pneumonia.
Chronic Respiratory Conditions
- Equine asthma (Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)/heaves/COPD) often results from exposure to allergens.
- Equine Asthma can develop in horses of any age, not matter how they are looked after.
- Equine asthma is the most common respiratory condition in horses that we treat.
Parasites
Lungworm infections are not common in horses, but they are still a possible cause of horse coughing when horses are turned out with donkeys.
Structural issues
Horses can get growths/obstructions/develop abnormalities in their airway which can result in horse coughing and other respiratory symptoms.
When to Worry About a Horse Coughing:
- Persistent or worsening coughing.
- Nasal discharge, particularly if it’s thick or yellow/green.
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or noisy inhalation.
- Lethargy, fever, or reduced appetite.
- Weight loss or poor body condition.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet for an evaluation. Prompt action can prevent minor issues from becoming more serious.
Diagnosing Respiratory Issues
Treatment Options for Respiratory Conditions in horses.
For Infections
For Chronic Conditions
Medications such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids are required in some cases and some horses will need long term medication, just like human asthmatics.
For Allergies
Medication is often required, either short-term or long-term.
For Parasite-Related Coughing
Horse Coughing: Preventing Respiratory Issues
Improve Stable Management
Maximize Outdoor Time
Implement Regular Health Checks
Vaccination and Deworming
Call South Moor Equine today for complete peace of mind.
Our team of equine specialists will be delighted to see your horse. We appreciate your concern and will be sure to put your mind at ease either by giving your horse the appropriate treatment or reassuring you that it is not a serious situation.