Symptoms of blood being in my horse's lungs?

Question

Ok, I took my gelding to a show (we do eventing) and we were going Cross Country. We were going training level. He's been to about 6 training level shows and has been fine. But when we got to jump 7 my horse started coughing really bad, so I retired on course. I took him back and he was fine. Then a few weeks later I was at a riding lesson and my horse kept nipping at his stomach. So I took him back to the barn, untacked, then his nose started bleeding. Could these be signs for something more serious like blood being in his lungs? I had the vet check him out after the show where he started coughing and didn't see anything wrong. What could this be?

Answer 1

A horse that has nose bleeds is called a "Bleeder" Horses due it when they work hard, it happens sometimes in horses off the track. I wouldn't worry about it too much unless it keeps up or doesn't stop, then I would call your vet. Good luck!

Answer 2

I looked at the site Jessica D posted and it says pretty much everything I could think of and more.

Answer 3

call your vet

Answer 4

bleeders at the track will simply "hit the wall" and slow way down.  They will cough profusely...it doesnt just stop after a few minutes and lasts several hours. they will have elevated respiration and will not cool out well.  after they have cooled out,  they will be lethargic, and may not be interested in eating.  blood in the lungs can and frequently does lead to upper respirratory ussues like lung infection or pnemonia.  the only way to know if a horse has bled during streneous excersize is to have him scoped immediatley at that time.  since it has been several weeks, that window is obviously closed now, so i would definataly have the vet come and evaluate him and scope him for mucous in the lungs.  i dont know what he was doing looking at his stomach...He may just have alergies, or you may have a dusty hay situation on your hands.  with the nose bleeding , and all the coughing...i would get the vet.  sorry:(

edit .i need to correct one of the answerers.  a bleeder is a horse that experiences bleeding in the lungs while racing.  there is a bleeders list, which indicates to the racing commission which horses have been scoped by a certified vet , after racing or a work, to determine of they are experiencing bleeding in the lungs.  this is done because horses that finish 1st and second, are tested for drugs by both a urine sample and blood test, while they are cooling out after racing in the restricited cool out barn. if they are in fact diagonsed with lung bleeding they are allowed to race on the medication "lasix" which is a diuretic , that supposodly stops bleeding.  if a horse bleeds over 9 ccs (the max. allowed by law) of lasix, he is generally retired.  once a horse bleeds they are far more prone to bleeding in the future.  bleeding lungs is to horse as what drowning is to us. it is a very frightening experience for them.

Answer 5

Here is an article on horse nose bleeds: http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:TWF3...

Since you are still really concerned, I would get a second opinion.

Answer 6

that doesn't sound good, i don't normally say this, but i would call your vet....that's a bit disturbing   i hope he gets better