Pony coughing - ideas?

Mynyddcymro

Mynyddcymro

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Hi everyone, just after some ideas please!
My section a mare has been coughing for a little while now mostly first thing in the morning when she has her breakfast and hay. She is stabled over night and out for most of the day.
Two weeks ago my YO put her on eclectory? Something along them lines and it cleared her cough up immediately, vet recons we won't find anymore of it (it was left over from years ago and has since run out) her cough has returned but not quite as bad.
Vet suggested worms may be causing her to cough? So had her worm counted and she's come back with 150 epg which is low so I guess I can rule that out.
Must admit to not soaking her hay but will start tomorrow and see how she goes with it soaked.
Has anyone else got any other ideas? Vet didn't seem overly concerned and the mare is bright eyed and very content, still has a good play with the others etc. However if the hay soaking doesnt make an improvement then vet will be called out again!
Ideas would be much appreciated!
 
What is your pony bedded down on? If straw that may be causing the cough.

Soaking hay is good. Turnout as much as possible. Dust free shavings if its an option. NAF Cough Medicine is also quite good. I gave it to a mare I look after when she had a cough. Make sure your stable is well ventilated. Thats about all I can think of.
 
Its most likely caused by the spores or dust in the hay, towards the end of the winter it can build up and they start coughing, soaking hay usually will help stop the cough. I would soak at the beginning of next winter or try haylage instead.
 
Could it be a dust allergy?

Soak the hay for at least 20mins.

Make sure the bedding is dust free> I use wood pellets and think they are brilliant but cardboard, shavings might do the trick.

Make sure the stable is as clean as can be ie cobwebs etc and if the pony has close contact with the horse next door try to minimise the dust there too.

Wet the feed also.

Ventipullin (excuse the spelling) is fantastic and works a treat.
 
She's on shavings and rubber matting, don't find them at all dusty. But will definitely get the broom out and shift any cobwebs! Turnout in winter isn't great so limited on time outside but stable is very well ventilated, back window is always open and low front door and front grill also open. Haylage isn't really an option as she's a typical section a, have figured that soaking the hay should ease her cough and help her lose some weight! Thanks everyone, definitely some things I can sort out in the morning!
 
Make sure the stable has two ventilation openings, preferably at opposite sides. ie door & back wall. to create a through movement of air. If there is only one opening (even a wide open door) then the air will 'stagnate' not clear out so that dust invisible to us builds up. This can cause coughs, also soak the hay & add water to any bucket feeds. Hope this helps. Also minimise bedding & make sure it is clean
 
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