🐴 Vet’s 2025 Guide: What to Do If Your Horse Has a Runny Nose 🩺🦠

A runny nose in horses can be a benign symptom or an indication of a more serious underlying condition. As we progress through 2025, it's essential for horse owners to recognize the signs, understand potential causes, and know when to seek veterinary care. This guide by Dr Duncan Houston provides comprehensive insights into managing equine nasal discharge effectively.

🔍 Understanding Nasal Discharge in Horses

Nasal discharge, or a runny nose, in horses can vary in appearance and significance. It's crucial to observe the following characteristics:

• Color: Clear, white, yellow, green, or red.
• Consistency: Watery, mucoid, or thick.
• Odor: Presence of any foul smell.
• Unilateral or Bilateral: Discharge from one nostril or both.

These observations can help determine the potential cause and severity of the condition.

🦠 Common Causes of Runny Nose in Horses

1. Allergies

Allergic reactions to dust, pollen, mold, or other environmental factors can cause clear to white nasal discharge. Horses may also exhibit coughing, hives, or itching. Managing exposure to allergens and consulting with a veterinarian for appropriate treatments can alleviate symptoms.

2. Infections

Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can lead to nasal discharge. Notable infections include:

• Strangles: Caused by Streptococcus equi, leading to thick yellow discharge, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Equine Influenza: Viral infection causing fever, coughing, and nasal discharge.
• Equine Herpesvirus (EHV): Can cause respiratory symptoms and nasal discharge.
• Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs leading to nasal discharge, coughing, and fever.

3. Sinusitis

Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause unilateral nasal discharge, often accompanied by facial swelling and discomfort.

4. Guttural Pouch Infections

Infections in the guttural pouches, such as empyema, can result in nasal discharge and require veterinary intervention.

5. Choke

Esophageal obstruction can cause nasal discharge containing food particles, along with coughing and difficulty swallowing.

6. Nasal Cysts or Tumors

Abnormal growths in the nasal passages can lead to persistent nasal discharge and may require surgical removal.

⚠️ When to Contact a Veterinarian

Immediate veterinary attention is recommended if your horse exhibits:

• Fever (rectal temperature over 101.5°F or 38.6°C)
• Lethargy or depression
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent or thick nasal discharge
• Coughing or difficulty breathing
• Swollen lymph nodes

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and promote a quicker recovery.

🩺 Diagnostic Procedures

Your veterinarian may perform the following to determine the cause of nasal discharge:

• Physical examination
• Endoscopy to visualize the nasal passages and guttural pouches
• Radiographs (X-rays) of the head and sinuses
• Laboratory tests, including blood work and cultures

💊 Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• Allergies: Environmental management, antihistamines, or corticosteroids.
• Bacterial Infections: Appropriate antibiotics as prescribed by a veterinarian.
• Viral Infections: Supportive care, including rest and anti-inflammatory medications.
• Sinusitis or Guttural Pouch Infections: Flushing of the affected area and targeted therapy.
• Choke: Emergency veterinary intervention to relieve the obstruction.
• Nasal Cysts or Tumors: Surgical removal if necessary.

🛡️ Preventative Measures

Implementing the following can reduce the risk of nasal discharge:

• Maintain clean and dust-free stables.
• Ensure proper ventilation in housing areas.
• Regularly clean feeding and watering equipment.
• Isolate new or sick horses to prevent disease spread.
• Stay up-to-date with vaccinations and deworming schedules.

📚 Conclusion

A runny nose in horses can range from a minor irritation to a sign of serious illness. Monitoring your horse's symptoms and seeking timely veterinary care are crucial steps in ensuring their health and well-being.

📱 Need Expert Advice?

For personalized recommendations and expert advice tailored to your horse's needs, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app today. Our team of experienced veterinarians is here to assist you in ensuring the best care for your equine companion.