Respiratory Issues in Horses

Welcome to your comprehensive resource on respiratory issues in horses!

Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or new to horse care, understanding the symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies for respiratory problems is crucial for your horse’s health and performance.

Respiratory issues in horses can present in various ways, including coughing, nasal discharge, and labored breathing. Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in your horse’s recovery. Our articles cover a wide range of conditions, from common problems like Equine Influenza, Common Cold, Strangles (Druse)  and Equine Bronchitis to more complex issues such as Equine Asthma (Heaves/COPD), Shipping Fever (Pleuropneumonia), Laryngeal Paralysis and Aspergillosis.

Each article dives into the underlying causes of these ailments, evidence-based treatments, and practical tips for prevention. Whether you’re looking for advice on maintaining a dust-free environment, signs to watch for, or seeking guidance on when to consult a veterinarian, we’ve got you covered.

Stay informed and empowered to give your horse the best possible care. Explore our collection of articles below and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to maintain your horse’s respiratory health.

Think your horse may have a respiratory issue?  –  Check out the Happie Horse Symptom Checker.


Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or new to horse care, understanding the symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies for respiratory problems is crucial for your horse’s health and performance.

Respiratory issues in horses can present in various ways, including coughing, nasal discharge, and labored breathing. Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in your horse’s recovery. Our articles cover a wide range of conditions, from common problems like Equine Influenza, Common Cold, Strangles (Druse)  and Equine Bronchitis to more complex issues such as Equine Asthma (Heaves/COPD), Shipping Fever (Pleuropneumonia), Laryngeal Paralysis and Aspergillosis.

Our Articles on Respiratory Issues

Learn all about Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Aspergillosis in horses is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus species, often affecting the respiratory system and leading to symptoms like nasal discharge and difficulty breathing.
Respiratory

Aspergillosis in Horses

Aspergillosis in Horses Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease. Aspergillosis in horses is a fungal infection caused by Aspergillus spp., commonly found in the environment as mold. It typically affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as nasal

Equine influenza in horses is a highly contagious respiratory virus causing fever, coughing, and nasal discharge.
Respiratory

Equine Influenza

Equine Influenza This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Equine Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that affects horses, characterized by fever, nasal discharge, and a persistent dry cough. It spreads rapidly through

Cryptococcosis in horses is a fungal infection that affects the respiratory system and can spread to the central nervous system.
Respiratory

Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by the yeast-like fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. It is a rare disease in horses, but when it does occur, it can cause

Laryngeal Paralysis means that the muscles controlling the larynx don't work properly, leading to impaired breathing and exercise intolerance
Respiratory

Laryngeal Paralysis in Horses

Laryngeal Paralysis Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease. Equine laryngeal paralysis is a disorder that affects the larynx in horses, causing difficulty breathing and an inability to exercise properly. It is caused by paralysis or weakness of the

Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection in horses caused by Streptococcus equi, characterized by fever, nasal discharge, and abscesses in the lymph nodes of the head and neck.
Respiratory

Strangles in Horses

Strangles in Horses This disease is life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian swiftly. Strangles, caused by the Streptococcus Equi Subspecies Equi (S. equi) bacterium, is a highly contagious upper respiratory tract disease. It causes an infection in the

Equine Asthma (Heaves / COPD) in horses, also known as equine asthma syndrome, is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Diseases

Equine Asthma (Heaves / COPD)

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

Asthma in horses, also known as equine asthma syndrome, is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

A Horses visible breath. The common cold in horses is a respiratory infection caused by viruses, leading to symptoms like nasal discharge, coughing, and mild fever.
Diseases

Common Cold in Horses

Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease.

The common cold in horses is a respiratory infection caused by viruses, leading to symptoms like nasal discharge, coughing, and mild fever.

Bronchitis in horses is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to coughing, nasal discharge, and potentially impaired breathing
Respiratory

Equine Bronchitis

Equine Bronchitis Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease. Equine bronchitis, also known as inflammatory airway disease, is a respiratory condition that affects the bronchi and bronchioles in the lungs of horses. It is characterised by inflammation and obstruction

Shipping fever in horses, also known as equine shipping pneumonia, is a respiratory condition triggered by stress and exposure to pathogens during transportation, often resulting in fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and potentially more severe respiratory complications
Respiratory

Shipping Fever (Pleuropneumonia) in Horses

Shipping Fever (Pleuropneumonia) Seek veterinary advice if you suspect this disease. Shipping fever in horses, also known as equine shipping pneumonia, is a respiratory condition triggered by stress and exposure to pathogens during transportation, often resulting in fever, coughing, nasal

Each article dives into the underlying causes of these ailments, evidence-based treatments, and practical tips for prevention. Whether you’re looking for advice on maintaining a dust-free environment, signs to watch for, or seeking guidance on when to consult a veterinarian, we’ve got you covered.

Stay informed and empowered to give your horse the best possible care. Explore our collection of articles above and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to maintain your horse’s respiratory health.

Think your horse may have a respiratory issue?  –  Check out the Happie Horse Symptom Checker.