Not sure whether to call the vet - slight nasal discharge

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Natassia

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For the last 2 days my horse has had slight white nasal discharge, he's living out and it really isn't that bad but obviously I'd call the vet immediately if it could be anything serious. He doesn't have it all the time, and he isn't blowing or coughing at all, eats fine and is looking really well, not lethargic or anything like that. I was thinking it could be something like hayfever, but could it be anything more serious - general opinions needed really before making a decision tomorrow. Thanks Nx
 
I would call the vet out but I am particularly wary of respiratory infections & better to catch it sooner rather than later
 
White discharge usually means no infection, it will be tainted slightly to moderately green if there was an infection going on. Have you had rather humid weather in your part of the country? this can sometimes make their noses run with a little white discharge as can excessive work in hot weather! The other possibility is if you have lots of tall buttercups in the fields that your horse grazes, if he has to put his nose down through the buttercups to get to the grass he could be OD'ing on the pollen which unfortunately is actually poisionous to animals as the buttercup pollen burns and causes ulcers to the nasal tract and throat when inhaled in large amounts. Horses tend not to like the taste of buttercups so usually avoid eating them, however, if there are large amounts in the field with very little grass then they have no choice. This can cause slight discharge, to check for buttercup burning have a look inside his nostrils very carefully usually at the edge of the gristle (if you understand me) you will see tiny holes which are quite painful causing the nose to run. Hope this helps.
 
recently had vet out to mine for that,however he was also coughing,vet checked him over,nothing serious,was a slight virus he had caught at some point and due to the shitty weather he hadnt been able to shift it(like us when we get a cold that stays forever,lol)!Wouldnt worry too much if it is white,and no cough!!give vet a ring and ask for some advice over the phone,but dosnt sound like it is anything to worry about,could well be to do with weather change etc
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just keep an eye and pay particular attention after work
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Jacks had this for a few weeks now - got vet out who swabbed it and it came back clear (no bacterial cultures after 48 hours) think it's just doing the rounds with the increased pollen and dusty bits due to the dry weather. Keep an eye on it and if it gets worse or he starts coughing then get it looked at by all means.
 
Haven't noticed anything today, I think it could have been because it was so dry as well and there are a few buttercups in the field, but his nostrils don't look inflamed or anything. Thanks for the replies, will keep an eye on him x
 
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