Coughing

[xgemmax]

Horse has had a slight cough going on for about 3-4 weeks now. Started one day when I brought him in from the field and he was wheezy and was coughing which was a sort of 'gaggy' cough. Once in I gave him some cough supplement I borrowed from a friend and sprayed his hay and within 30 mins or so was fine and was then fine for a week, had another episode of this a week later and since then has had an intermittent cough (not wheezy anymore), usually in the morning before he goes out to the field, occasionally when walking in from the field, never when exercised or at any other time. I have had the vet check him and she said his lungs sounded fine but trachea slightly raspy but said not to worry. His temperature is also normal

Well I am worrying slightly as before the last month or so I have never heard him cough, any ideas what this could be?

I have tried him on 4 different types of hay in case it was the dust, he is slightly better with it fed wet but still coughs a little? He is also still getting the herbal cough supplement which I don't think is doing anything but he may as well have it. Our stables are very open and airy and he is bedded on wood pellets (has been for over 2 years)

Thanks in advance

 

[OLDGREYMARE]

Try soaking the hay completely submerging it under fresh water for about an hour,drain and feed.Just wetting it is easier but far less effective,or feed haylage.Alternatively turn out 24/7.

 

[xgemmax]

Thankyou, I soaked it for an hour tonight so will see what he's like in the morning! Reluctant to feed haylege as he's a bit of a fatty and trying to get him to lose weight as it is haha! Will be out 24/7 in a few weeks too

 

[First Flame]

I'm feeding mine NAF Respirator Boost and this seems to be doing the trick to help my old girl. I tried a cheaper herbal cough syrup which didn't really do anything, also same as above, properly soaked hay does make a difference.

 

[xgemmax]

Thankyou, I'll have a look at that one, its the Nettex liquid one I am feeding which seemed to help at first but now I don't think it is. He didn't cough this morning after the soaked hay so will carry on with that!