Snotty-Nosed Horses: What To Do?
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Respiratory tract disease is a very common problem in horses that has a wide range of causes, including bacterial and viral infections, as well as non-infectious conditions. Nasal discharge (i.e. a "snotty nose") is often one of the first signs of respiratory disease noticed by owners. Unfortunately, the nasal discharge itself cannot tell you what the problem is, nor how to deal with it. If your horse develops nasal discharge, you should contact your veterinarian to determine the best approach to diagnose the cause and the best way to treat the animal. Here are just a few of the factors that need to be considered:
- Does the nasal discharge come from one or both nostrils? Discharge that predominantly comes from just one nostril is more likely due to a problem in a sinus, or possibly one of the guttural pouches (but guttural pouch infection can also cause discharge from both nostrils, even if only one side is affected).
- Does the horse have a fever? Bacterial or viral infections usually (but not always) also cause a fever.
- Are there any other signs of illness, such as decreased appetite or decreased energy. If so, an infection is more likely.
- Is there more than one horse affected? This may indicate that a transmissible pathogen (virus or bacterium) is involved.
- Have new horses been introduced to the barn, or has the horse encountered other horses while off the farm? If so, this increases the likelihood of a viral infection.
- What does the discharge look like? Thick, yellow discharge is more often (but not always) caused by bacterial infection. Clear, watery discharge may be caused by viral infection, or sometimes non-infectious causes such as heaves. Bloody discharge can indicate serious problems.
- Does the horse cough, and if so, when? Is coughing more common during exercise, when the horse is inside, or while the horse is eating hay? These signs may be associated with a non-infectious condition such as heaves.
Nasal discharge is a sign that something abnormal is going on. Some causes of nasal discharge are very minor, but others are very serious. Some are not infectious, but others can be easily transmitted to other horses. Good communication with your veterinarian is important. Do NOT give your horse antibiotics unless your veterinarian prescribes them. Nonetheless, if there are any signs that suggest an infection (viral or bacterial) might be present, you should isolate your horse right away, at least until it has been examined by a veterinarian, in order to prevent possible infection of other horses.
