Why Does My Horse Cough When Eating Hay?

A horse who coughs after eating could have a dental problem or structural issue in his esophagus. Or, it could be the result of dusty feed.

Why is my horse coughing up hay?

It is frequently caused by an allergy, most often mold or dust. IAD is a condition that generally affects younger horses. Signs also include exercise intolerance and a cough, but IAD horses do not have increased respiratory effort at rest. IAD is also believed to have an allergic component.

How do I stop my horse coughing from hay?

Soaking hay for 20-30 minutes causes the mould spores to stick to it, so the horse eats and digests them harmlessly rather than breathing them in. The hay must be shaken up prior to soaking and submerged fully in the water. Change soak-water daily.

When should I worry about my horse coughing?

Dr Westermann is very clear about when coughing does form a cause for concern: ‘If your horse is not only coughing but also stops eating, is lethargic and/or has a fever, be sure to contact your vet. If a watery discharge comes out when the horse coughs, it will be flu or another viral infection.

What do you feed a horse with a cough?

Hay can also be steamed with a commercial steamer. Hay should be fed from the ground. In addition to being the most natural way for horses to eat, there’s less chance that he will inhale bothersome particulates, and his airways will remain clearer in a head-down position.

What is a hay cough?

A hay fever cough is an aftereffect of postnasal drip. Postnasal drip occurs when allergens irritate the lining of your nose. This triggers your nasal passages to produce mucus, a sticky substance that’s supposed to remove harmful or dirty particles from the air.

Can hay cause a cough?

Symptoms of hay fever include: sneezing and coughing. a runny or blocked nose. itchy, red or watery eyes.

Can worms in horses cause coughing?

Because these worms can migrate to the lungs, infected horses may show signs of respiratory disease such as cough or nasal discharge.

Can dusty hay make a horse cough?

Environmental causes include dust, mould or spores from hay or bedding, which get into the lungs and cause inflammation in the lower airways, leading to coughs or causing irritation that allows infections to set in.

Can allergies in horses cause coughing?

“Horses pastured near fields where crops are harvested may be exposed to the dust generated by the combine harvesting crops.” Horses affected by these allergies may develop signs like coughing or increased breathing efforts within a few days of exposure to the dust or allergens and may show impaired performance.

Why does my horse cough in the winter?

Winter coughs in horses who are stabled is usually down to dust particles and fungal spores being inhaled into the lungs, triggering an inflammation and increase in mucus production.

What are the two symptoms of hay fever?

Hay fever symptoms can include:

• Runny nose and nasal stuffiness (congestion)
• Watery, itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
• Sneezing.
• Cough.
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat.
• Mucus that runs down the back of your throat (postnasal drip)
• Swollen, bruised-appearing skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)

What are the first symptoms of hay fever?

Symptoms of hay fever
frequent sneezing. runny or blocked nose. itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears.

What triggers hay fever?

People with allergic rhinitis generally experience symptoms after breathing in an allergy-causing substance such as pollen or dust. In the spring, the most common triggers are tree and grass pollen. In the fall, a common allergen is ragweed or other weed pollens or outdoor mold.

How do you cure hay fever?

Medications for hay fever

1. Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat the nasal stuffiness (congestion) and the itchy, runny nose caused by hay fever.
2. Antihistamines.
3. Decongestants.
4. Cromolyn sodium.
5. Leukotriene modifier.
6. Nasal ipratropium.
7. Oral corticosteroids.
8. Allergy shots.

Can hay cause breathing problems?

What is Farmer’s Lung? Farmer’s Lung is an allergic disease usually caused by breathing in the dust from moldy hay. However, dust from any moldy crop – straw, corn, silage, grain, or even tobacco – can also cause Farmer’s Lung.

When is hay fever season?

Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it’s warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.

How do I know if my horse has lungworms?

Signs of lungworm infection range from moderate coughing with slightly increased respiratory rates to unthriftiness in older horses. Infections with few or no visible signs can occur in foals and donkeys. Diagnosis is based on these signs, known transmission patterns, and the presence of first-stage larvae in feces.

What are three symptoms of parasite infestation in horses?

The signs of parasitism are common among different parasites infecting the horse and include:

• Weight loss.
• Dull, rough hair coat.
• Potbelly.
• Decreased stamina or lethargy.
• Coughing.
• Diarrhea.
• Colic.
• Tail rubbing.

What wormer kills lungworm in horses?

Lungworm Treatment
Ivermectin and moxidectin are the most effective treatments for lungworm. Both can be used in horses but not all ivermectin based wormers or moxidectin are licenced for use in donkeys. If in doubt, check with your vet or SQP.

Is it OK to feed horses wet hay?

Soaking hay for horses can be invaluable when feeding a hay that is a little dusty as a result of soil contamination or where it was stored in the barn. Horses that have allergies and are sensitive to the natural dust and particles in hay can benefit significantly from wetting or soaking hay.