Just like parents should not try to diagnose a child's cough by themselves, an equestrian should likewise avoid trying to diagnose his horse's cough. Only a qualified equine veterinarian is capable of identifying and interpreting symptoms in horses. Nevertheless, horse owners should understand equine disease in order to know when they should call the vet.
Stable Cough
Among the most common causes of coughing in a horse is stable cough, which is actually an umbrella term used to describe a fairly obtuse condition. Stable cough simply refers to horses who cough at rest, usually in the barn, versus while exercising.
In most cases, stable cough presents a dry, wheezing cough that continues for several minutes at a time. It might come and go with the seasons or over several months and generally does not indicate lung involvement. Potential reasons for stable cough include:
- Allergies
- Exposure to dust clouds
- Eating too fast
- Drinking too fast
- Exposure to insects
Stable cough is not an issue that demands immediate treatment, but it is always best to call a veterinarian. There are a few remedies that seem to work best in treating this type of coughing in horses, including Equi-Tussin, which is a decongestant and expectorant specifically formulated for horses.
Equine Allergies
Although sometimes linked to stable cough, equine allergies can make horses cough either at rest or during exercise. Just like humans, horses can develop sensitivities to certain allergens, such as mold, dust pollen. When they are exposed to these allergens, the typical responses include coughing, nasal discharge and sneezing.
Respiratory equine allergies are usually referred to by the general term "heaves", and veterinarians will often prescribe corticosteroids for horses who experience extreme cases. It is also important to try to identify the allergens making the horse cough and to limit exposure as much as possible.
When owners notice coughing in horses, it is sometimes best to turn them out in a paddock or pasture for several days. This increases exposure to fresh, clean air, and if symptoms disappear, owners will know that the problem lies in the barn.
Exercise
Sometimes coughing in horses is simply caused by exercise. This is usually identified because the horse coughs only during work-outs, and not while standing still in the barn or resting in the paddock. Similar to asthma in humans, exercise-induced coughing sometimes means retiring the horse from work.
However, horses who experience chronic cough from exercise can sometimes be kept in moderate work. It is important for owners to carefully monitor their horses' response to activity and to stop work if coughing fits become a problem.
Viral or Bacterial Infection
The final and most unpleasant causes of coughing in horses are viral and bacterial infections, which usually indicate lung involvement. These are difficult to treat and can become fatal if not diagnosed and treated immediately. There are several forms of infection, such as bacterial pneumonia, pleuritis and upper respiratory infection.
Antibiotics are sometimes effective with bacterial infections in the lungs, but do not help with viral infections. Horse owners should suspect infection if their horses present with other difficulties breathing in addition to the coughing. Fever, lethargy and elevated heart rate are other signs of infection.
The veterinarian might need the horse owner to bring the horse to a clinic for treatment. Common tests and procedures include scoping, tracheal washing, and X-rays. Serious diseases, such as bacterial pneumonia, might require overnight stays at an equine care clinic.
Once again, coughing in horses might not indicate a serious condition, but it is always best to call the veterinarian just in case. Once the problem is diagnosed, horse owners will find it much easier to care for their animals.
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