The equine cold, also known as equine influenza is very similar to the human cold. It is often more challenging than a human cold. It starts with a rise in temperature, lassitude and a runny nose and is very infectious. The influenza causing virus causes an upper respiratory infection in horses. Being very infectious, timely diagnosis and treatment are required for a horse cold.
Coughing horse = Respiratory distress
Upper respiratory infections whose symptoms include fever, runny nose, and cough are a common problem in horses, particularly young adult horses that travel to shows or rides.
Upper respiratory infections whose symptoms include fever, runny nose, and cough are a common problem in horses, particularly young adult horses that travel to shows or rides. The most common causes are virus groups and the bacteria Streptococcus equi which is responsible for Strangles.
The virus families include influenza, rhinoviruses, several Herpes viruses (rhinopneumonitis), adenoviruses, and less commonly the Equine Arteritis Virus.
These infections occur wherever horses congregate and young horses are especially susceptible. Though rarely fatal, these diseases count for tremendous loss of time and money in the horse business. These diseases have very similar symptoms but it is important to make an attempt to identify the cause. If strangles is identified early it is treatable. There are complications to some herpes virus infections, particularly EHV-1, that you do not see with the other diseases.
If tests show that your horse has caught equine influenza, feed your horse with generous quantities of fresh food and water. It should be on a daily diet of warm, moist bran mashes. The doors and windows in the barn and stall should be opened once a day and the horse should be thoroughly groomed without being allowed to get cold.
The most crucial part of recovery is rest. Keep the horse confined to a small pen or stall to prevent over-exertion. Hand-walk the horse if exercise becomes necessary. According to Veterinary Practice News, for each day a horse has a fever, a full week of recovery is desirable.
NSAID's may be prescribed by a veterinarian for a horse that has an intense fever. Since pneumonia can be the consequence of the cold, antibiotics can also be helpful to assist the recovery course. The cold will run its course in about ten days but a recovery period of about a month is required to bring the horse gradually back to work. The cold is usually accompanied by a cough. No attempt should be made to work the horse while the cough and other severe symptoms are present.
Learn more about Influenza in Horses