Runny nose - any ideas

[diddydavies]

Hi wondering if someone can put my mind at rest.

Last night I noticed my chap had a runny nostril, it is clear and has the consistency of water. He is the same this morning. Apart from this he is bright n cheeky, eating well and shows no sign of illness. Cant take his temp as don't have a thermometer yet.

Reason for this post is as I am a fairly new owner and looking for reassurance, i don't want to call the vet out for stupid things when all he will say is see how he is in a day or so its probably nothing (like people who go to the docs with a basic cold or splinter in their thumb - you know the sort)lol.

So has anyone experienced this, do I wait a couple of days to see if it clears up? If it doesn't or if he changes I will call the vet asap. Any advice would be welcome

 

[Frisket]

Clear nasal discharge is probably fine - there's a high chance it's just his natural response to something harmless like dust or a change in the temperature; horses get runny noses just like humans!

But!

I'd keep an eye on it - nasal discharges can be signs of respiratory infections (viral and bacterial both!) as well as some other things. When my horse had discharge I got him checked out within a week, but his was coloured and thick. If it persists, I'd get him checked out - if the discharge is only a little and clears up in a day or so, it's nothing. So check tomorrow and I think if it's still there, you should get him checked.

Have you worked him since? Is his breathing normal?

 

[diddydavies]

Thanks Frisket

exactly what I thought, but when you have been away from horses for quiet a while and not stabled on a livery yard, you start to second guess yourself.

I've not worked him since and his resting breathing seems fine, thinking of taking him for a light hack tonight, rain permitting, lol, only walking just in case.

 

[Frisket]

You should have seen me when Diego started! I annoyed my friend so much because I wouldn't shut up with my worrying.

If his breathing remains normal after working (no coughing, etc, etc) it's probably nothing - just good to keep an eye on things, right?