My horse is sick- What is it?

Question

My 3-year old paint horse, normally full of energy, is now listless, running a fever, and has a slight discharge coming out of her nostrils. I doubt its serious, as she is eating normally, does not seem to be uncomfortable, and does not have diarreah (sp?) or anything else serious. But, i would like to know what she has, and how I can treat it. It does not seem serious enough for a vets attention, but I have a different horse going to a show next week, and I don't want her to catch it.

Answer 1

I would definately get a vet up. Is she vaccinated against flu? My horse had the same symtoms and had to have antibiotic injections as i was a nasty flu that was only going to get worse. It could be strangles but that is very nasty and I think you would know by now! But to be on the safe side I would definately have the vet. You could try benylin or some knid of cold medicine for the time being. But I would telephone the vet. Hope this helps! :)

Answer 2

1. write all this down (or print out the question)

2. take it to a vet and ask them to come see the horse.

3. it could be anything, i dont know many trained vets that come to this web site, so all we can do is guess on what we know already, and personally we cant see the horse/look at all the details that a vet in person can.

4. if you dont think it's that bad to call a vet to come see the horse, call one up or go to their office and ask.

Answer 3

With these symptoms it is serious enough to call a vet to rule out highly contagious or potentially fatal diseases.

Answer 4

If she's running a fever she's definately sick. How long has she been doing this? Is there any type of swelling or hardness underneath her jaw? Is she UTD on all her vacinations? What all is she vaccinated for?

It could be strangles even if she's not actually been anywhere (or if she's vacinated actually as the vacine isn't 100% effective) Germs and/or bacteria can also be carried in on you if you'd been around other horses -- even if they weren't ill at the time you were there. If anyone has been to your barn or around here they too could have brought the germs or bacteria in with them.

My recomendation is have a vet to come out and see her. It could be many things and might not be serious but generally with a horse if there is fever involved it gets serious pretty fast.

A fever means there is some type of infection somewhere. If nothing else you need to get that fever down, especially in time of year with the heat it's more risky. Could quickly lead to dehyrdation which leads to colic which is always serious.

Answer 5

Anytime a horse has a discharge from its nose, that is anything but clear, it is bad enough to call the Vet. That accompanied with a fever is serious. You had best get the Vet out. The sooner you get this taken care of the better. It will save you money and maybe even your horse.

Answer 6

Not being nasty but I would be inclined to call up the vet and see if he thinks it is worth a visit.

It would be horrible if you acted on advice given here and it was totally wrong.

edit - just look at maida's answer - that's scary

Answer 7

Could it be strangles?  Has she been exposed to other horses?  Has she been vaccinated against it?  Even vaccinated horses can still get strangles, but it usually is not as severe of an infection.  I would keep her separated from your other horses to be safe.

Answer 8

It could be a cold, or just a mild case of strangles.  Anyway, u should probably call a vet, or wait and see if she improves.  You should get her vaccinated tho.  that's very importent!  And keep the horses seperated so the other one doesn't catch it.

Good luck:)

Answer 9

I think I can definitely say what it is. If she isn't 'fixed' shes in heat. 3 years.. right when they start. Horses that are in heat run fevers and often grunt and have some discharge from there nostrils. Nothing to be concerned about - just make sure shes in a stall with a fan - not in the sunny paddocks.

Answer 10

It sounds like a cold.

Best to keep her isolated from others, don't let her share a water tub/bucket with others or the stall.

If she is turned out no other horse can be turned out in that paddock til she is better and everything sterilized.

Take care of her last.  This way you can clean and feed everyone then go to her, not exposing other horses to the virus.  Wash your hands thoroughly when you are done.

As for Strangles....

Is she having problems swallowing?  Like a sore throat?

She's eating and drinking normally? Not slow and careful?(sometimes they just pick up a hay wisp and nibble, push grain around in their bin and walk away, stand with head over water bucket but not drink)

Does she have a swollen pouch, knot under her jaw, near the throatlatch ?

Call the vet out and have this diagnosed if showing any of those signs of Strangles.  Get some Banamine to help the aches, pains, fever.

Warm water to drink.

Warm mash to eat.

Soaked hay or hay cubes.

Keep isolated if you feel it's strangles.

Strangles has been noted to survive in soil and wood for over 30 years.  

Wash the stall down with Bleach and water after the virus runs it's course.  Bleach all buckets and tubs.

Spray bleach along the wood fencing where the horse was turned out.

also..if she is showing signs of strangles DO NOT take any other horse out of that barn to shows.  You are under quarantine.

Answer 11

With those symptoms you have described, you do in fact need to call your vet.

Answer 12

idk exactly what it could be... maybe just a commen equine virus?

is she coughing? if she is, it could be equine influenza.

the bottem line is that she'll need stall rest, clean enviroment that is well ventalated, clean water, make sure she's warm (that shouldn't b a problem since it's summer now), and make sure she keeps eating and drinking.  that isn't serious unless she developes a secondary infection.

isolate the sick horse (so the other horses don't get sick)and don't take her anywhere till she's better.