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There are several common respiratory diseases seen in horses:
Coughs – An irritation primarily caused by a cold, virus or allergy. If the cough is wet and thick it may be due to a virus or cold whereas a dry cough is normally caused by a dust allergy. Normally soaking hay will solve the problem but in the case of a persistent cough a vet should be contacted.
Equine influenza – This is a virus that is highly contagious. Raised temperature, cough and nasal discharge are all symptoms. A horse suffering from equine influenza should be kept in isolation for 3 – 4 days and rested until the infection runs its natural course, can be 6 weeks.
Colds – Similar to a human cold, symptoms include nasal discharge and a cough. It is important that a horse suffering from a cold is given plenty of fresh air but also kept warm.
Epistaxis – A horse nosebleed due to either inflammation, a calcium deficiency, increased blood pressure during exercise or an infection. If the bleeding comes from one nostril only then it unlikely to be serious, if on the other hand it comes from both nostrils it may be due to an internal problem that could be very serious. In this instance a vet should be consulted immediately.
Strangles – Highly contagious and normally seen in young horses. Symptoms include thick nasal discharge, a high temperature, enlarged glands under the jaws and a cough. These glands may form abscesses which then burst. A vet must be consulted and the horse isolated. Close attention needs to be paid to the horse as he may be unable to eat and will therefore lose condition in which case gruel can be fed. A long rest period is necessary to ensure no permanent damage.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) – An allergic reaction to dust etc. Symptoms are difficulty in breathing out and coughing. The treatment is to simply remove the source of dust by changing the bedding and soaking hay.
As with any health issues, if you are in any way unsure a vet should be consulted.
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