Cough

[UKa]

hi, my mare has started coughing a few days ago it seems to be particularly happening when starting some faster work (i.e. trot) each session and the odd cough when resting. I suspect that its from her getting cold after a wet day in the field earlier in the week, have started dampening her hay and want to keep an eye on her. She seems a bit extra mellow but could not feel any temperature. When do I need to start worrying and get the vet or should I call them now? Has anyone got any good remedies for coughs that seem to be non-allergic (she has not had an allergy before although we had very dusty hay recently and she is bedded on straw in an indoor stable now, so that is why I am trying the soaked hay option). Thanks!

 

[kcgibson]

hi, i would call the vet for advice. dont want to scare you but i know coughing (that get worse on exercise) can be due to a heart problem (like a murmur).

 

[UKa]

do heart problems like that occur after a while, I have known this horse for four years now never had a problem and she was fully vetted? she also does cough occasionally when standing in her stable too

 

[Klaudette]

Horses dont cough because they have a cardiac problem. Dogs do though.
Get your vet's advice. It is likely to be respiratory in origin...

 

[the watcher]

I would change the bedding to something less dusty until your horse is over this episode, just before straw beds haven't caused a problem before doesn't mean that a new allergy can't start. also try to stable next to others on shavings or similar

 

[chunklovescooks]

i think it has a lot to do with the bedding, have you looked into shredded paper?? that is minimal dust also shavings can be quite low dust