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  Discussion on Young horse snots
Author Message
Member:
Chrism

Posted on Monday, Nov 15, 2004 - 11:03 am:

The 2-4 yo horses have all come down with the snots (URI). They were all vaccinated this fall. I seem to recall my 21 yo did this when she was a 4 yo, but that was the only time.

Is it fairly normal for young ones to have a viral episode and then be relatively immune?

We can't figure how this got going as none of the horses on the farm has been anywhere the last few weeks. Only thought is that a person visiting brought it with them. (There have been several groups in looking at a couple of horses for sale.)

Cheers.

Chris
Member:
Eoeo

Posted on Monday, Nov 15, 2004 - 1:56 pm:

This time of year these episodes are usually from the weather being warm, turning cold, warm and then cold again. We just got a bout of it here in Eastern Washington. Have one baby that is pouring snot. Usually let it run it's course if the snotty nose is minimal but this one is copiously snotting so I am treating with Tribessen paste per vet instructions. EO
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Nov 15, 2004 - 6:27 pm:

I hate to rain on LKR but this has little to do with the weather and everthing to do with infection. The weather may have horses coming in more so that infection travels easier among indiviuals.

If there really has been no contact with other horses it rules out strangles and flu. Most likely this is either Equine Herpes Virus 4 or 1 (EHV-4/1). These viruses are never completely eliminated from a horse and when the young become susceptible and the virus blooms in an indiviual: rhinopneumanitis (snots). Yes the young are more susceptible and with repeated exposure become more resistant. Unfortunately vaccination only lessens the severity of symptoms and is not completely protective. As you state, it is always worth remembering is that someone has tracked in Strangles from another farm however.
DrO
Member:
Chrism

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 7, 2004 - 3:16 pm:

Dr. O.,

I thought the 4 yo was getting over this. However, I just got an email that her snotty nose is now thicker yellow instead of thin white. Appetite is still good and seems to handle being ridden ok (a bit of coughing at times, lessening.) Do I need to get worried?

Thanks.

Chris
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 7, 2004 - 7:35 pm:

My children do the same thing from time to time. The critical thing is whether there are signs of pneumonia or not: increased respiratory rate, feeling bad, fever, abnormal lung sounds on auscultation. Assuming no lower respiratory signs: is the snots unilateral or bilateral? Unilateral suggests a secondary sinus infection, bilateral secondary bacterial pharyngitis. Either will probably respond to a course of antibiotics and if things are worsening they are probably indicated. I do recommend resting horses during the convalescent stage though longer than 21 days rest is controversial in uncomplicated cases.

One question: what brand vaccine and administration method did you use for herpes/flu last time Chris?
DrO
Member:
Chrism

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 8, 2004 - 11:01 am:

Dr. O - I don't know the answer to your question. My vet was out 10/29 and administered vaccination to both horses. It is only the young one that developed the snots. One of the other young horses (different vet/protocol/date of vaccination) also had them, but she appears to have cleared up.

I've not been able to go see myself what is going on (due work demands), but I've asked the caretaker to provide details/update.

Then I plan to call my vet and report.

Thanks for your response.

Chris
Member:
wing

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 21, 2008 - 10:48 am:

Just bought a 6 month old colt, when he arrived, I noticed thick yellow snot that dripped from his nose. It continued off and on during the day and seemed to lessen by the next day. Today, I noticed more yellow snot ready to drain from his nose, though not as much as the first day. I am not sure if this if something to worry about but would like some input. He seems to be OK otherwise... eating good on grain and hay. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Member:
aannk

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 21, 2008 - 11:50 am:

My 6 month old has the snots too, but it is white. They think it is allergies. Is there anything I should test for in regards to this? He also tends to get rain rot a lot.
Alicia
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 22, 2008 - 8:20 am:

Hello Bob and Alicia,
I would recommend you read the article on Nasal Discharge, Cough, and Fever it has lots of information on this. You can reach it by backing up one page using the navigation bar at the top of the page.

Then if you still have questions you should start a new discussion rather than posting at the bottom of someone else's discussion. The button for this is at the bottom of the list of existing discussions.
DrO
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