Mysterious Cough
We asked horse training expert Cheyanne West. More about Cheyanne

Question

Hi,
My name is Brad and recently we bought a horse that had a problem breathing. He is about 10 years old and I was informed that it isn't heaves and from what I have seen of heaves this does seem different.

He breathes in very slow and out very fast. He does occasionally cough. When we first start riding him his breathing gets very loud and sounds terrible but after picking up the pace and exercising him it goes away and he's fine. I was wandering if this might get worse or if it would be good to exercise him more. We are uncertain as to what to expect and would like get to the bottom of what may be causing this condition. When is cough was severe we gave him two doses of Penicillin and it is only occasional now. I would appreciate any advice you could offer me.

Christian Cowboy,
Brad

Answer

Dear Brad
If you have had your veterinarian check this horse in a "pre-purchase" exam, perhaps you can check with them and see if he noticed an enlarged thyroid. This may be the cause of his difficulty breathing, if not certainly there is something obstructing his airway and suggest you have a vet look at him first before I make any alternative suggestions.

Cheyanne West C-Hom
www.AskCheyanne@TodaysHorse.com