Coughing and a snotty nose - any ideas??

[Slinkyunicorn]

On our yard we have a pony who is out 24/7 but has started coughing badly and has a snotty nose. He has only been back here 3 or 4 weeks from another yard/RS - is still in an isolation paddock - anyone have any ideas please. His cough is a big chesty cough not a usual throat clearing cough if that makes sense.

Have only had coughs and snotty noses with stabled horses and dusty hay so any ideas gratefully received.

 

[Rana]

Could he have an allergy?

 

[scotsmare]

Could just be a cold from all the wet weather you've had down there lately (we're still to see any rain *sigh* )

Probably needs a vet and some anti-b's.

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

SM - wish we had had some rain

- been dry here since the snow went in Feb!!

Was wondering about allergy - didn't have any when he was here last time but thats not to say has got one since....his owner is useless unfortunately for poor boy (feet hadn't been done since Xmas and farrier had to cut shoe and hoof of together) and it wouldn't appear care has been to good at previous yard. Everyone understandably a bit nervous about infection of some sort - we had strangles here a few years ago from a horse returned from stud.

 

[KatB]

If he's moved yards it could be a low grade virus. Put him on something like Redcell or Propell to boost the immune system and keep him on the isolation paddock for the time being.

 

[sammiea]

Has its temperature been checked? My 1st thought would be strangles and woudl treat such pony as that until proven otherwise.

Sorry to sound so negative

 

[CSYMolly]

We've had a cough and snotty nose on the yard for a few weeks, they all had it at some stage but thankfully it seems to have gone. My horse was flat for a couple weeks but vet said as long as she had no temp and wasn't off her food she was ok. We put them all on secreta pro and haven't had any problems. Did get a letter through from my vets saying they are seeing a high no of viruses about and as long as they don't cough up mucus they should be fine. If he has a temp then definately get the vet out.

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Don't apologise!! We are thinking strangles to and would rather be safe than sorry as there are a couple of much loved oldies here apart from those due to go out competing - just need to tell owner to get finger out and get vet sooner rather than wait until Monday.

 

[blackcob]

We've had a virus go through our livery yard in the past couple of weeks - lots of horses with a mild snotty nose and a bit down in the dumps. Mine's had a recurrence of mild EHV in response, with a slight cough, temperature and raised glands. Keep an eye on him, treat the symptoms and call the vet if he gets worse or goes off his feed.

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Thanks - difficult to know if he is off his food as he is just on grazing and out 24/7 - owner doesn't come every day - when it suits. Obviously we a re concerned for him but also all the other horses and ponies here.

 

[jenh166]

Could be SPAOPD (summer pasture associated obstructive pulmonary disease) - its v similar to RAO/COPD but allergens are pasture based rather than found in the horse's stable environment. You could try keeping him stabled for a period of time, and see if just removing him from the grass improves his condition. This is not contagious. However, could be a multitude of other things, so if unsure, try and get owner to call vet!

*edited due to poor spelling!

 

[LadyRascasse]

my thought would be strangles until proven otherwise, not really helpful but thats me

 

[f_s_]

Could be a low grade virus, allergy, anything really!

I think in this instance I would get a vet, just to be sure, especially if the horse hasn't had brilliant care recently.

Could also be a pollen allergy. Any rape fields around you, or have they sprayed any fields recently??

Think you're doing the right thing btw, by keeping him isolated, always a risk of strangles. hope he is ok and picks up soon.

 

[BankEndRescue]

sorry to get graphic but what colour and consistency is his nasal discharge?

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Thanks for all your help - owner has been spoken to and vet on the way - apparently when he has started coughing while being ridden she has got off because she was worried he was choking - not worried enough for the vet.....

O well hopefully be mended soon.

 

[kellyeaton]

it could be many things keep an eye on the normal things like tempermant eating drinking pooing and weeing regime and temperture if they stay the same just give a cough mixture for the throat and an immuin booster for everything else but if things due change dont wait any longer than 72 hrs then get the vet!

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Thanks for all the replies - the vet has just been. Has a bad chest infection - is on antibiotics and field rest for 10 days.