Winter Cough!!

[Dizzleton]

I have a 20 year old Hanoverian. He is happy, healthy and fit. However, every winter he gets a phlegmy cough which doesn't go away till he is out 24/7 in spring/summer.

During the winter he is out for about 10 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When he comes in he is in an American style barn, but he has a bright airy stable with an open window at the back that he can put his head out of. We keep the stables as clean and dust free as possible.

He is fed on 2/3 nets of haylage, Alfa-A Oil and Top-Line mix with added mineral suppliments and various cough supplements. Disney is bedded on Ned Bedz Pro which is kept impeccably clean!

He is generally exercised in the outdoor arena about 3 - 4 time a week; weather depending. But for the first 5 or so mins of warm up he has a chesty cough. I have tried using menthol nasal balm and it does help a little.

Now he is turned out 24/7 in summer his cough has gone and he breaths sound again.

Does anyone have any tips for me before the winter rolls back in?

Thank you!

 

[soloequestrian]

Keep him out over the winter too? I have a 21 year old TB who lives out with no problems - this year she didn't even need her thickest rug!

 

[Dizzleton]

Thanks, but unfortunately I can't leave him out during the winter at night due to him being so spooky in bad weather. Plus he's usually fully clipped and in work

 

[be positive]

See if your vet will give you some ventipulmin, mine will let me have it for my horse without seeing him every time, I use it as and when needed, it keeps the airways clear and just a few days on it is enough to make a difference.
One tub lasts a long while this way as I dont use it continually.

 

[paulineh]

I too would say leave him out 24/7 all year round. Even fully clipped with the right rugs and shelter there would be no problem.

My Arabs live out all year and 2 of them are fully clipped too.

It is far more healthy to have them out.