Cough
Coughing is a normal respiratory defense mechanism and it clears mucus, inhaled particles, and other debris from the airways, however, the coughing horse can be very frustrating for a vet to treat.
Horses with coughs horses are mainly due to allergic reactions to stable dust and pollen (COPD). There are, however, many cases of viral infection which also result in long term irritation and produce coughs that do not respond easily to veterinary treatment. Other causes of coughing such as, pneumonia (bacterial infection of the lungs), lungworm, tumours, epiglottic entrapment and tracheal collapse are relatively rare. Coughing horses require a thorough physical examination including listening to the chest with a stethoscope. Treatment may be initiated at this time, however, blood tests, endoscopy (looking down nasal passages and trachea and into the lungs), ultrasound scanning of the lung surface, x-rays and sampling fluid from the lungs (e.g.tracheal wash) may all be required to find a diagnosis and assess treatment options.