Common Respiratory Issues and Conditions in Horses: What Every Horse Owner Needs to Know

Respiratory issues are among the most common health problems affecting horses, and they can have a significant impact on your horse's performance, comfort, and overall quality of life. Understanding the signs and symptoms of respiratory conditions, along with knowing how to prevent and manage them, is crucial for ensuring your horse remains healthy.

1. Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)

Recurrent Airway Obstruction is one of the most common respiratory conditions in horses, especially in older horses or those kept in dusty environments. RAO is a chronic condition that is caused by inflammation and constriction of the airways, making it difficult for horses to breathe, particularly during exercise or when exposed to dust or mould.

Symptoms to look for:

• Coughing, especially after exercise or when exposed to dust

• Increased respiratory rate or effort

• Nasal discharge

• Loss of appetite or reduced performance

  
  

Management and Treatment: While RAO cannot be completely cured, it can be managed with the right care. Key strategies include:

• Reducing exposure to dust, mould, and poor ventilation

• Using haylage instead of hay to reduce dust

• Administering medications like bronchodilators or corticosteroids, which can only be prescribed by a vet

• Ensuring your horse has a clean, well-ventilated environment

2. Equine Influenza (Flu)

Equine influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects a horse’s respiratory system. It spreads rapidly in environments where horses are in close contact, such as barns, stables, or shows. Young horses or those with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible.

Symptoms to look for:

• High fever (often above 38.8°C)

• Coughing and nasal discharge (watery or thick)

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

Management and Treatment: Equine influenza can often be managed with rest and supportive care, but in severe cases, antiviral medication or antibiotics (to prevent secondary bacterial infections) may be required. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent this illness. Be sure to follow a regular vaccination schedule as recommended by your vet.

3. Strangles

Strangles is another contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory tract, caused by Streptococcus equi. It is characterised by the sudden onset of fever and the development of abscesses in the lymph nodes, particularly around the throat. Strangles can lead to serious complications if not managed properly.

Symptoms to look for:

• Sudden fever (38.8°C or higher)

• Nasal discharge (initially clear, then becoming thicker and yellowish)

• Swelling and abscesses around the throat and jaw

• Difficulty swallowing or eating

Management and Treatment: Strangles often requires veterinary intervention to drain abscesses and treat the infection with antibiotics. Quarantining infected horses is essential to prevent the spread of the disease to other horses.

4. Equine Asthma

Similar to RAO, Equine Asthma is a condition where the airways become inflamed, but it tends to be more common in young horses. Environmental triggers such as dust, mould, and allergens from bedding or feed contribute to the development of asthma-like symptoms in horses.

Symptoms to look for:

• Coughing (especially in response to exercise or exposure to dust)

• Wheezing or laboured breathing

• Nasal discharge

• Reduced exercise tolerance

Management and Treatment: Managing Equine Asthma involves environmental changes to reduce allergens (such as using dust-free bedding and hay), along with medications like bronchodilators and corticosteroids to manage inflammation. Monitoring your horse’s respiratory health regularly can help catch symptoms early before they worsen.

5. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the sinuses, typically caused by bacterial or viral infections, dental issues, or even trauma. This condition can lead to thick nasal discharge, swelling, and discomfort.

Symptoms to look for:

• Nasal discharge (often one-sided)

• Swelling around the eyes or face

• Difficulty breathing through the nose

• Fever or lethargy

Management and Treatment: Treatment often involves antibiotics for bacterial infections, along with pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, your vet may recommend flushing the sinuses or treating any underlying dental issues that could be contributing to the condition.

6. Pneumonia

Pneumonia in horses is typically caused by bacterial infections that lead to inflammation in the lungs. This condition is more common in foals, but adult horses can be affected, particularly if they have been exposed to a viral infection or have been in stressful conditions.

Symptoms to look for:

• Rapid or shallow breathing

• Nasal discharge (sometimes with a foul odour)

• Fever

• Lethargy and loss of appetite

• Coughing

Management and Treatment: Treatment for pneumonia generally includes antibiotics to fight the infection, along with supportive care such as fluids and rest. Horses with pneumonia should be closely monitored and isolated to prevent the spread of infection.

Prevention and General Care Tips

• Proper Ventilation: Ensure your barn or stable is well-ventilated, especially in the winter when barns tend to be closed up.

• Dust-Free Feed: Consider switching to dust-free hay or haylage, especially if your horse is prone to respiratory issues.

• Regular Vaccinations: Stay up to date with vaccines for influenza, and other common diseases.

• Healthy Diet and Exercise: A balanced diet and regular, moderate exercise can help maintain a strong immune system and healthy lungs.