Coughing when exercising.

Black_Horse_White said:
Just got the results back from the vet, my horse has a bacterial infection that is not responding to the antibiotics. He now trying to find one that will kill it. They didn't have enough of the lump to get anything from, but he thinks it is all to do with the infection. It is not life threatening, he is going to be ok. Thats another hurdle nearly over. What next, thanks everyone for taking the time to reply.
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I suspect from the location you described - lump of pus in the pharyngeal recess at the top of the larynx, that is most likely to be a sign of chronic inflammation....not that uncommon. The mucus the vet noticed is also consistent with lower respiratory tract disease. It's good that culture and sensitivity has been useful - most cases are based around sterile inflammation and rarely involve bacteria. Pus is misleading as it can be sterile - it is just mucus from the airway and accumulation of the dead inflammatory cells which are there whether there is infection or not.

Black_Horse_White said:
Thanks, he started his antibiotics today. Bit worried that they are not licenced to be given to horses. Everything crossed they make him better.
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Sad thing is there are not many antibiotics that ARE licensed for use in the horse so we very frequently use non licensed products. Mostly the license hasn't been obtained due to financial costs for the drug company not because they are not safe or not tested thoroughly. Economics I'm afraid. So don't be too worried about using these types of products, your vets should be going through any of the possible side effects with you if relevant...mainly there aren't many seen TBH. :)

Don't overlook inflammation too....steroids particularly inhaled are often very beneficial when given alongside the ABs. IME there is never no inflammation when there is infection....:o especially when the presenting sign is soughing when the airway is stressed i.e during exercise, rather than just at rest. Makes it sounds low grade but relevant to me.

Best of luck
Imogen
 
He has been on Metacam for 2 weeks. Didn't want to use steroids because of his laminitis. Thank you very much for your reply. I have been stressing a little bit as it seemed very bad. And with him not responding to the antibiotics I was thinking the worst. The ones he is on now are called Baytril, he is on 400ml once a day for 10 days. The vet said he would scope him again about 3 day after he has finished them and re test the mucus he collects. If the lump is still there he will remove it at a later date. So seems like a long road, i've been told not to ride until he is better. Which worries me as I have to keep his weight down.
 
To put your mind at rest re the Anti'b's your horse has been given- Baytril is a really good Antibiotic- although it is pricey- whenever one of my horses has had it, it has always worked,!, although it may not be licensed for use in the horse it can definitely be given to them, I think originally it was an antibiotic used for chickens and poultry!

Good luck-hope your horse feels better soon!
 
K27 said:
To put your mind at rest re the Anti'b's your horse has been given- Baytril is a really good Antibiotic- although it is pricey- whenever one of my horses has had it, it has always worked,!, although it may not be licensed for use in the horse it can definitely be given to them, I think originally it was an antibiotic used for chickens and poultry!

Good luck-hope your horse feels better soon!
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Thank you, I really do hope they work. I've heard they are pricey, i'm going through my insurance so hopefully I should get it back (EVENTUALLY!) Do insurance companies pay for drugs that are unlicenced I wonder
 
Black_Horse_White said:
Thank you, I really do hope they work. I've heard they are pricey, i'm going through my insurance so hopefully I should get it back (EVENTUALLY!) Do insurance companies pay for drugs that are unlicenced I wonder
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Yes my insurance has paid out no probs at all when my horses have had to have Baytril, Metacam etc etc- if your Vet has said your horse requires the drugs then hopefully all should be ok for you.
 
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