help - not sure wat to do

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hannah87

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hi, guys, my horse made the 7 hour trip in the lorry down to my uni on sat. he arrived v tired, stayed in that day with some regular walks. he now is in for a full day, then out for a full day. wen in i soak his hay and hes on a straw bed. since arriving he has seems to have a slight cough (didnt have it before journey). on a morning wen led out he does 2 big coughs and white snotty stuff comes out of nose / mouth/both. then hes fine. i rode him yesterday and in canter kept coughing a few times so i stopped. hes fine in himself every other way. im thinking its just a combination of the long journey him being tired, having alot more hay than normal as he lives out more at home etc, or could it be more than that?any advice appreciated, thanks
 
Not sure, has the type of straw changed? Was his hay soaked before he moved? Are surrounding horses on shavings etc?
 
i had a pony turn up from ireland once took 24 hours andhe had a bit of a cough that got worse with exercise. my vet said he was a bit under the weather and anaemic and it could of been the stress of the journey. we gave him red cell and he soon perked up.
 
Horses travelling are quite prone to respiratory infections. I'd soak his hay, try to keep him as dust free as possible (muck him out whilst not in the box if you have to use straw, etc), and take his temperature every day. I'd also not work him hard if at all til the cough and snot goes.
If it gets worse, the discharge is yellowy or greeny, his temperature is above normal, and he seems generally unwell then it's time to get your vet (or before if you're worried!)
Which uni are you at?
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Turn him out 24/7 and keep him warm. If no improvement by the end of the week give your vet a ring, and don't ride him.
 
im at hartpury uni.unfortunately i cant have him out 24/7 as id like to, the most he can be out is every other day so that limits my options. he seems fine every other way. his hay was soaked b4 he came down as well, however my mum said she thinks he may have been given some dry hay in the lorry by accident which could have been part of the problem?
 
Would imagine the straw is as much of the problem if he's used to beig out - can you not bed him on shavings or other alternative? Would certainly continue soaking hay and if not any different in a couple of days would call the vet (obviously sooner if his breathing etc isn't normal)
 
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