Clearing the Air: Debunking the Questions Surrounding Equine Coughing & Coughs in Horses

With winter fast approaching, it is more likely for our equine friends to be housed, or rather stabled, in the coming weeks and months than out at pasture. Bearing that in mind, we’ve put our heads together and come up with some answers to commonly encountered questions and problems with horses coughing.

Why is my horse coughing?

The physical act of coughing is a natural response in an attempt to remove foreign materials or mucous from the respiratory tract; i.e., the lungs or upper airways.  Coughing in horses can be due to respiratory infections, allergies, environmental irritants, or a more serious underlying condition such as equine asthma or recurrent airway obstruction.

When should I be concerned about Equine Coughing?

Whilst a horse coughing in the stable can be disconcerting, it is not always an immediate cause for concern. It may be time to seek assistance if a cough becomes persistent, severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose, difficulty breathing, or an increased temperature. This may be an indication that there is a more significant underlying health problem that requires attention.

We should also be aware of any coughing that develops post transport. Competition horses that regularly attend shows or events can potentially contract viral infections such as equine influenza (see question below). Horses that spend a considerable length of time travelling can potentially develop a form of bacterial pneumonia known as “shipping fever”. As shipping fever can progress quite quickly, it is important to seek advice and assistance if you suspect that your horse may be developing this condition.

How can I tell if my horse’s cough is due to allergies?

Allergies tend to be seasonal problems but can occur in both the stabled horse and those kept at pasture. They do not tend to result in the horse having an increased temperature, but nasal discharge (or a runny nose) will often be seen at the same time as these coughs.

Many stabled horses can be sensitive to dust or spores present within hay. These tiny particles enter the respiratory system leading to an inflammatory response, resulting in narrowing of the airways. This can result in an increased respiratory effort and coughing.

Similarly, horses at pasture can develop an allergic response to certain pollens. We discussed this earlier in the year when rapeseed was causing some widespread issues in many yards. It is important to identify potential issues with allergies from an early stage to avoid potential long-term issues. To read the article on allergies click here.

Why does my horse start to cough during exercise? Do I need to be concerned?

It is quite normal for a horse to cough while exercising, particularly during the early parts of an exercise routine or warmup. Typically, this is nothing to be too concerned about and is usually an attempt by the horse to clear their upper airways of any mucus or small debris that has built up whilst at rest.

If this coughing persists throughout the ride/competition and starts to affect performance, then it is important to seek veterinary attention. This invariably may be something of little significance, but nonetheless investigation could prove critical.

Is Equine Coughing contagious to other horses?

Generally speaking, coughing isn’t contagious between horses. However, if the coughing is a symptom associated with a respiratory infection it would be advisable to isolate the offending horse to prevent any possible spread through a stable/yard.

Can horses get the common cold or flu?

Horses can of course get respiratory infections, but these are not the same as those causing the common cold or flu in humans. There are many pathogens that can cause respiratory infections in horses including Equine Influenza (aka, horse flu). Equine influenza is an extremely contagious viral infection that can spread rapidly through a population of horses. Vaccination programmes are a necessity in controlling the potential spread of this infection.

What are the potential long-term consequences of  persistent Coughing in Horses?

Previously we discussed how allergies may cause your horse to cough. If this becomes a chronic (or long-term) issue it is likely that COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or RAO (recurrent airway obstruction) can develop. This condition is characterized by a chronic inflammatory response in the airways that affects the horses’ ability to breathe properly. As a result, the muscles of the abdomen are engaged to assist with breathing. This causes them to hypertrophy (undergo a phase of overdevelopment) and create a muscular ridge, also known as a “heaves line”.

Other persistent coughs may not lead to this development but can cause some chronic inflammation within the respiratory system. This can have a knock-on effect on potential performance and possibly limit a horse’s success at competition.

How can I help my horse with a cough? Or can I prevent Equine Coughing?

There are lots of steps we can take to help any horse that suffers with a cough. Stable hygiene and good ventilation is important to minimise dust build up and potential allergens in the environment. As hay is a common source of allergens, some thought should be given to steaming hay. Steaming hay is a proven technique to improve the hygiene level of our hay sources by reducing dust levels, and minimising (or even eliminating) potential pathogens such as bacteria and fungal spores. The process also has the added benefit of retaining minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that commonly can be lost when soaking hay. For more on our range of hay steamers click here.

Providing your horse with an appropriate supplement can prove to be beneficial in the management of coughs and aid with the maintenance of a normal Respiratory Health in Horses. The aim of these supplements is to open up (dilate) lower airways, aid the breakdown and elimination of mucus, and to ease coughing.

If you would like some more information on any of the above questions, or if you have additional questions you would like discussed, please feel free to get in touch with the ARKequine team.

For support with good respiratory health view our recommended products:

BRONCHOPULMIN

Essential oils and Vitamin C to support respiratory health

Bronchopulmin is a unique liquid feed supplement designed to restore and maintain a healthy and effective respiratory system and to support the immune system.

It contains a blend of Essential Oils, such as Cineol and Eucalyptus oil, specifically chosen for their ability to support the respiratory immune system and soothe irritation.

Additionally Thyme, Fennel and Black Cumin oil, support Bronchodilation.

RESPIMIN

Ultimate Respiratory Health in Horses supplement

Respimin is a feed supplement designed to support the equine respiratory tract.

It is used to support horses diagnosed with respiratory conditions, and recovering from respiratory diseases such as acute, sub-acute and chronic infections (bronchitis, bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia), viral respiratory diseases, respiratory allergies, and Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO). Its unique formulation encourages the release of mucous while reducing excessive coughing.

Respimin is recommended for the maintenance of a healthy respiratory tract in animals that have a history of RAO and respiratory allergies.