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  Discussion on Long term runny nose & cough
Author Message
Member:
Ceceb

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006 - 2:38 am:

HI Dr. O,

My 3yr old colt has had a runny nose, mostly clear or white discharge for over a month, but it is not constant. He also has had a cough, especially when working, but sometimes goes away after riding for a little while. Another colt in the same pasture had it for quite a while but he looks a little better. When they cough, it's like they are trying to clear their throat. My 26yr old mare who is across the road had it for a little while but seems okay right now. No temp and eating well. Maybe a little more lethargic but that could be do to the heat. It's been hot and very dry this summer. I did some mowing and there were some weeds. ANy ideas? Thanks,
Cece B
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006 - 6:49 am:

Hello Cecelia,
A "mostly clear intermittent nasal discharge" does not concern me much and could well be within the range of normal or indicate recovery from a mild URT viral disease.

So let's concentrate on the cough unless the nasal discharge changes. To get an idea of the possibilities and how to differentiate then I want you to study the article Diseases of Horses » Respiratory System » Chronic Cough Without Fever. I suspect something will look familiar.
DrO
Member:
Ceceb

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006 - 7:20 pm:

HI Dr. O

I would have to say it's more of a white discharge then clear. It is mostly on the one side. This morning there was a big blob of snot. The vet put him on antibiotics for 5 days a couple of weeks ago and it appeared to get better, then it came back. He is in training and not sure if to rest him or work it out. The cough sounds like he is getting something out of his throat. No traveling and little exposure to outside horses. A new older gelding moved in next door and when they floated his teeth, while he was under the anesthesia, chunks of white mucus came out of his nose. Could he be the culprit?

I'm reading the article and still confused.
New Member:
Mkwood

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 22, 2006 - 9:14 pm:

My 2 year old fjord had a running nose, mostly on one side for quite a while. No fever, vet said don't worry it is a virus. Then one day it turned green and smelly. I used a flashlight and looked up his nose. There was a 6 inch stick lodged in there. He was very relieved when I pulled it out. I should have checked immediately and saved him some discomfort.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 23, 2006 - 7:46 am:

These symptoms are something every young horse goes through (and young people) as they contract recurrent URT infections, often viral in nature, until their immune system is built up. If this is the cause, you just have to wait them out while the horse recovers. And certainly following MKW's advice (Welcome back Mary) of looking up the nose is not a bad one, I hope the vet did that when he was there.

If after reading the article you remain uncertain as to the cause of the cough or if you think there might be something caught in the back of the throat you are going to have the horse scoped to find out where this discharge is coming from and possibly what is causing it.
DrO
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