What causes horses to have runny nose?

What causes horses to have runny nose?

The common causes of nasal discharge include strangles, sinus infections, tooth problems, and guttural pouch infections. Bilateral (both nostrils) occurs when the source of the mucus is distal to the nasal openings. This would include strangles and guttural pouch infections.

When should I call the vet if my horse has a runny nose?

If a nasal discharge is accompanied by an obvious injury or evidence of disease such as an elevated temperature, cough, poor appetite, or swollen lymph nodes, isolate the horse and contact a veterinarian.

What can I give my horse for runny nose and cough?

However giving an expectorant to loosen the mucus so it flows out, like Virex which also has a cough suppressant, and keeping the nasal passages open with Nasal Eze which also reduces the dust and spores going up the respiratory tract, will help improve comfort and recovery for the horse.

What are the symptoms of equine influenza?

Equine influenza affects the upper respiratory systems of horses, causing symptoms that are similar to humans experiencing influenza:

  • Deep, dry cough.
  • Nasal discharge.
  • Lethargy.
  • Enlarged lymph nodes.
  • Lack of appetite.

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.

What do strangles in horses look like?

Infected horses often develop a nasal discharge which may start clear but becomes thick with pus and often copious in amount. They frequently also develop a cough. In very rare cases, the bacteria may affect other lymph nodes in the body and cause abscesses to form through out the horse’s body.

How do you know if your horse has sinusitis?

Typical clinical signs are a persistent discharge of mucous from the nostril on the affected side and swelling on the outer surfaces of the sinuses. These horses will also have swelling on the inside of the sinuses that partly closes the nasal passage.

What could be the cause of a constant runny nose?

Some of the most common causes include allergies, infections, and nasal polyps. Some other factors that can trigger a constant, clear runny nose include food, medications, and changes in hormones. Most causes of a constant clear runny nose can be treated with OTC medications and home remedies.

What does a constantly runny nose mean?

Infections — such as the common cold and influenza — allergies and various irritants may all cause a runny nose. Some people have a chronically runny nose for no apparent reason — a condition called nonallergic rhinitis or vasomotor rhinitis.

What is the most common infectious respiratory disease of horses?

Equine influenza virus is one of the most common infectious upper respiratory diseases of the horse. It is widespread in the equine population of the United States and throughout the world. It spreads quickly because the incubation period is only 24 to 48 hours, and the virus can be transmitted through the air.

  • September 3, 2022