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Discussion on Can Grazing where sick horses have been be contagious?
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Member:
edsgirl
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Posted on Friday, Mar 31, 2017 - 8:37 pm:
I've wondered about this for awhile. Our barn has had a couple horses become sick - fever and no appetite for several days, and no known reason. They recovered within 3-4 days, and another horse came down with a fever/cold I believe from getting chilled. That horse recovered as well and there have been no other occurances for the last 10 days.
How possible is it for a horse to become infected with "something" from grazing on grassy areas on the side of our country roads or "communal" where possibly other horses have grazed. On checking with an adjacent barn, they had a gastric issue arise with some of their horses - unknown origin too. My BO thinks our horses going on on handwalks and handgrazing could be bringing in pathogens to our barn. I think its pretty unlikely, but would like your opinion.
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Apr 3, 2017 - 9:06 am:
Hello PJ,
There is no way for me to know how likely either scenario is in your particular case but both are possible. To help you with your research into this question see HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Fever of Unknown Origin. There you will find information on possible causes and links to diagnostic techniques. In general getting chilled does not cause colds and fever from viral or bacterial causes.
DrO
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Member:
edsgirl
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Posted on Monday, Apr 3, 2017 - 9:02 pm:
Dr O, you don't think horses can get a chill and then a runny nose and cough? I remember the one time my horse got a cold - his ears were freezing and it also happened his blanket was too light for the weather and it was really wet. His nose ran and had a slight temp. Lasted about 3 days.
Not possible?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Thursday, Apr 6, 2017 - 3:26 pm:
Hi PJ,
Most things are possible but research in humans (none available in horses) suggest that getting chilled does not cause upper respiratory disease and horses are more cold tolerant than humans. Neither has it been my experience when dealing with poorly cared for horses in bad weather that they will come down with something.
DrO
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