Common Horse Illnesses?

Question

I have a three year old paint horse that is normally full of energy, but now is listless, running a fever, and has a slight discharge coming out of her nostrils. She is not off her food. What could it be? I have a different horse going to a show next week, and I don't want her to catch it. Thanks

Answer 1

Strangles is most likely, but there are a lot of other diseases out there such as flu and west nile.  Please isolate the sick horse and call a vet ASAP to reduce the risk of your other horse getting sick.  Be sure to keep all horses up to date on their vaccinations if you travel to shows or do trail rides.

Answer 2

It could be equine influenza, or it could be strangles. I would call your vet right away, and if I were you I would cancel your show. Although  your other horse may not be showing any symptoms, these are airborne illnesses and highly contagious. Many horses contract them and never show it, but can still pass it on.  If your horse developes swelling around the throat area, then you will now it is strangles. What color is the discharge?

Answer 3

If she has a fever and discharge, I'd call a vet, discharge alone wouldn't concern me so much because that could be allergys but the fever....it could be EHV-1 or any other others or strangles, I'd get her checked, thats a young age and their immune systems arnt yet built up as strong, and I'd isolate her immediatley and make sure u keep her buckets cleaned and away from the otheres.