Coughing up phlegm

[ecarylloh]

Was leading Fleur out of her stable today when she coughed up some white/yellow phlegm. This is the first time she's done this as far as I know (she's always coughed a little after warm ups but she's done that for the whole time I've had her - 11 years - and no phlegm). She appeared to be fine other than this occurrence. The vet came out to give her a check up about a week ago (she's 23 so I do get her checked regularly) and didn't find anything wrong with her other than a small, unaggressive melanoma on her bum.

She's stabled on straw - which comes with our livery. I'm guessing that it may be the straw combined with the dry feed I've been giving her. Any advice other than start giving her wet feed? I don't know if I can afford to get shavings for her right now (*still* waiting to be paid for various jobs) but do you guys think this is absolutely necessary? I'm also thinking keep her out for as long as possible so she's not in her stable that much, which she prefers anyway.

Is there anything else you would recommend/anyone on here who's experienced this sort of thing before? Advice most welcome!

 

[ImogenBurrows]

Hi,

My inclincation would be not to leap in and change bedding straight away - often good quality straw can be much less dusty or allergenic than shavings in anycase.

If your horse has only just started coughing up sputum it could be just a passing chest infection. Is she off colour at all?

I would go with the turnout option for a few days, keep her in work and then get your vet to maybe scope her if she's no better...

Imogen

 

[ecarylloh]

Thanks Imogen. This is the first time she's ever coughed anything up and she's fine in all other ways - no mucus or anything and alert etc. I'll see if I can keep her out with some nice warm rugs on for the next few days and see how she goes.