Many horses are particularly susceptible to one infection or another during the coat change period. But even independently of this, there are more and more horses that occasionally “cough” or “bump”. This is not normal!
What can contribute to respiratory problems?
The urge to cough is much harder to trigger in horses than in humans.[1] Horses do not usually cough just like that. Of course, a classic infection can trigger a cough and a respiratory disease. However, dust and harmful gases such as ammonia can also irritate the respiratory tract and contribute to respiratory problems.[2] Dust particles are particularly problematic, with a particle size of between 2 and 7 µm, sometimes so small that they can reach the small alveoli in the lungs. Mold spores, food mites, bacteria and their endotoxins (decomposition products) can also cause respiratory problems.[3]
Allergies? – Even in horses!
Unfortunately, more and more horses are having problems with allergies. As with humans, pollen and grass can be a cause. But certain feedstuffs, feed mites and mold spores can also trigger allergies in horses, which can lead to respiratory problems.
Respiratory problems do not always mean coughing
But be careful: not all horses with respiratory problems cough! Because it is difficult to trigger a cough in horses, a neglected infection may go unnoticed at first. In some horses, respiratory problems only become noticeable through reduced conductivity, fatigue, abdominal breathing or rapid fatigue. If in doubt, we recommend having the horse checked by a veterinarian once again.[4]
The right posture is the be-all and end-all
The first step in the treatment of affected horses is to adjust their housing. Lots of fresh air and sufficient exercise are not only good for sick horses. Exercise is particularly important to keep the body moving. Light exercise also helps to cough up mucus more quickly. Care should also be taken to ensure the correct, low-dust bedding. Last but not least, regular and thorough mucking out is an important aspect of optimal housing.
Inhalation can help
A respiratory disease should also always be checked by a veterinarian. In addition to drug treatment, some horses benefit from inhalation with special horse inhalers or a visit to the saline chamber. Inhalation can liquefy stuck mucus and make it easier to cough it up. Medications can also be inhaled and thus usefully complement the therapy.[5]
Alternatives to Hay
Of course, you should always make sure that you feed your horses hygienically clean, low-dust feed. In some cases, haylage can be used as an alternative to hay. The problem, however, is that many horses cannot tolerate haylage and react with diarrhea and watery stools. In addition, an opened bale of haylage must be consumed fairly quickly, which can be a problem, especially in the warm temperatures of summer.
Washed or watered hay can bind or wash out the dust, which alleviates symptoms for many horses. Unfortunately, wet hay does not really keep and should be fed immediately. In warm outside temperatures, the number of germs in the hay increases significantly within a very short time. This can also result in digestive problems.
Steamed hay can help horses with respiratory problems
In order to improve the hygienic quality of the feed, it can be helpful to steam the hay. The high temperatures that arise during the steaming process kill 99% of allergy-causing mold spores, feed mites and bacteria. The hay is slightly moist after steaming and can be fed straight away after cooling briefly. Another advantage is its durability: steamed hay can be fed for up to 24 hours. In contrast to washing, hardly any nutrients are washed out during steaming. In addition, steamed hay is usually eaten particularly willingly. For horses with respiratory problems, a hay steamer can therefore be a valuable addition.
Don't forget concentrated feed
Quality is also crucial for concentrated feed. Concentrated feed should be stored in a dry, cool place and protected from pests. If grains such as oats are not dried sufficiently, bacteria and mold can settle in, causing problems in the digestive tract and respiratory tract. Feed mites and their droppings can also cause allergies in some horses. [6]
Feed additives containing essential oils can also be used to support this. The volatile oils are inhaled during concentrated feed intake and can have a positive effect on the respiratory system.[7]
[1] Dr. Astrid Reitz, "EVERY cough in horses is a warning signal – ways of therapy and healing": lecture as part of the Sunday morning work with Anja Beran
[2] Meyer & Coenen (2014) Horse Feeding, 6th Edition, Thieme Verlag Stuttgart
[3] Graubner, C.; Jandova, V.; Gerber, V. (2011) Therapy of chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases; Enke Verlag, Pferdespiegel 2011; 1: 2-8
[4] Christian, M. (2021) Cytology in respiratory problems - indication, optimized sample handling and significance of the findings, Pferdespiegel 2021; 24: 128-132, Thieme Verlag
[5] Niedermaier, G. & Gehlen, H. (2009) Possibilities of inhalation therapy for the treatment of chronic obstructive bronchitis in horses, Pferdeheilkunde 25 (2009) 4 (July/August) 327-332
[6] Wehnert, C. (2011) The oat test: look deep into the glass. Cavallo Medical Knowledge.
[7] Reichling, J.; Saller, R. (2012) Fragrant oils as remedies for animals. Tierwelt, 1:18-19.
