Equine respiratory illnesses

Coughing is a symptom that is almost always caused by diseases of the respiratory organs. Heart disease or changes of the abdominal organs only occasionally cause coughing.

Coughing can have a number of causes:

• Infections: viruses, bacteria, occasionally parasites
• Allergies to fungal spores in hay and straw dust as well as to pollen
• Stabling problems: heavy dust, high humidity, noxious gases (ammonia, hydrogen sulfide), lack of exercise
• Non-specific hypersensitivity

Causes often occur in clusters and reinforce one another. For example, poor stabling conditions  may lead to viral infections, which in turn make the horse allergic to dust. This can result in chronic illnesses.

It is therefore vital to take all symptoms of a respiratory illness in your horse seriously and to treat them consistently with the help of your veterinarian. At the same time, take quick action to eliminate all stabling conditions that may have contributed to the disease.