COUGHS COLDS AND FLU
These are contagious so isolation procedures, covered earlier, should be followed.
A mild cough could be a dust allergy, but follow isolation procedure until you know. In the meantime, feed soaked hay and bed on shavings to see if symptoms get better.
SYMPTOMS
These can be mild or severe and a vet should be called.
A cough not improved with dust control.
A discharge from the nose or eyes.
A high temperature.
Looking unwell.
Off feed and hay.
A reluctance to move
Sweating or shivering
If there is a swelling under the jaw or in the line running below the back of the jaw bone (indicated on the picture), it could be STRANGLES, a highly contagious and serious illness.
ISOLATE IMMEDIATELY AND CALL THE VET.
TREATMENT
Follow the vet’s advice and:
keep isolation procedure in place until the vet says it is okay or at least 5 days after symptoms have gone.
bed on a dust free bedding like shavings
feed soaked hay from the ground, allowing better drainage of mucus.
feed and water must be fed from the ground, allowing better drainage of mucus.
all medication must be given at the correct time and, if put in the feed and not eaten, the food removed, disposed of correctly, and fresh medication given. I find mixing the medication in a little water and syringing in like a wormer is best.
keep movement and fuss to a minimum.
bathe mucus from nostrils and eyes with cotton wool pads, using a fresh pad for each opening and do not put a used pad back in the water.
grazing on grass is the best option, if possible to do without compromising other horses.
keep the horse warm with layered light blankets that can be easily washed, added to and removed.
PREVENTION
Isolate any new horses for at least a week, or 3 weeks if there is a possibility of strangles.
Vaccinate your horse
If you are competing, keep your horse away from any nose to nose contact with other horses and take your own water.
If hiring transport or a stable, make sure it has been thoroughly disinfected and is from a reputable company.
Final Thoughts
Your horse is your responsibility. Diseases are easily spread, so you must do all you can to make sure your horse is not put in a vulnerable position.
It is a good thing to see if you can all agree on your yard to take simple precautions to stop diseases coming in. These could be as simple as taking your own water to shows or avoiding nose to nose contact with outside horses.
When caring for your horse when they are ill, just imagine you have his symptoms and how you would like to be treated. If you are worried at all, remember the vet is there to help.