Sometimes coughing in horses is harmless. It may be the first sign of serious trouble. Heather Smith Thomas reviews how to tell the difference. Notice the background information about the horse’s activities. These references will help veterinary staff members ask good questions when receiving a call from a horse owner.
Source: Equus, October 5, 2017.
Knowing when to call the veterinarian for a coughing horse requires good judgment, but some indicators clearly signal the need to act.
Thomas reviews coughing in these categories:
- Causes of coughs
- Coughs that persist throughout at ride
- Coughs that produce mucus
- Coughs occurring after transport
- Coughs appearing for no obvious reason
- When youngsters cough
- Coughs occurring mainly during eating
- Coughs that become frequent
- Recovery from cough