Mythbuster Monday: Horses Only Cough When They’re Sick
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Do horses only cough when they’re sick?
It’s Mythbuster Monday, where Horse Nation dives into different equestrian myths and provides research-based evidence to either bust or confirm those myths. Today’s topic: Do horses only cough when they’re sick? Will they cough if they’re out of shape? Does coughing occur with allergies or from inhaling particles in the air? Read more to find out!
Myth: Horses only cough when they’re sick
Myth or Fact: Myth
Canva/CC
Coughing in horses is a natural reflex that serves to clear the airways of any material that may interfere with normal breathing. It involves a sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the lungs, helping to remove mucus, dust, or other particles from the respiratory tract. Though often brief and self-limiting, a cough can vary in frequency and intensity, ranging from a single mild occurrence to repeated episodes over time. This reflex is an essential part of the respiratory system’s defense mechanism, contributing to the overall health and function of the lungs and air passages.
The respiratory mechanism behind a cough begins when specific receptors in the horse’s airway lining are stimulated. These receptors send signals through nerves to the brainstem, which coordinates a rapid inhalation followed by closure of the glottis. Pressure then builds up in the lungs, and when the glottis opens suddenly, air is expelled at high speed. This forceful airflow helps dislodge and expel any material from the trachea or bronchi. The cough reflex, while often harmless, is a vital tool the horse’s body uses to keep the respiratory tract clear and functioning efficiently.
But, does it only happen if the horse has a viral or bacterial infection?
Canva/CC
According to an article by Equus Magazine, Any horse will cough occasionally, particularly if he catches a noseful of dusty air or gets a bit of debris in his airways while he’s eating or drinking. In that context, coughing in horses is just a normal sign of a healthy airway keeping itself clean. Horses do not only cough when they have a bacterial or viral infection — many instances of coughing are non-infectious and can result from environmental irritants like dust, dry feed, or poor air quality. Some horses may cough briefly at the start of exercise to clear minor mucus or debris, which is not usually cause for concern.
However, coughing can also occur as a symptom of more serious health issues, including infections and inflammatory airway diseases. These may include conditions like equine influenza, pneumonia, strangles, or recurrent airway obstruction (heaves), among others. While persistent or performance-limiting coughing may indicate illness, many causes are non-infectious, such as dental issues, food aspiration, or environmental allergens. Therefore, not all coughing in horses is tied to viral or bacterial infections, and understanding the context, frequency, and associated signs is key to deciding whether veterinary attention is needed.
Canva/CC
An evidence-based article by Mad Barn stated that coughing in horses, while often a normal reflex to clear the airways, can also be the first sign of a more serious health issue requiring veterinary attention. The article emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between different types of coughs — such as those occurring during exercise, after transport, or while eating — to better determine their underlying causes. From respiratory infections and allergies to anatomical abnormalities and environmental irritants, a wide range of factors can lead to coughing.
Mad Barn’s article provides a thorough overview of the symptoms, causes, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies for equine respiratory conditions. It also highlights the role of nutritional support and management practices, such as improving ventilation and reducing dust exposure, in helping horses breathe more comfortably and recover from respiratory issues.
Canva/CC
In an article titled, “What Makes Your Horse Cough,” the University of Illinois writes that although coughing may not always appear serious, it can signal a variety of underlying conditions — some mild, others requiring immediate veterinary intervention. The article stresses that paying attention to details such as the presence of fever, the timing and context of the cough (e.g., during exercise or while eating), and additional signs like nasal discharge, can greatly aid in identifying the cause.
Veterinarians use a range of diagnostic tools — including stethoscopes, ultrasounds, endoscopy, and fluid analysis techniques — to evaluate respiratory issues. The article explains that conditions like Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) and Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) are common causes of chronic coughing, and that both medical treatment and environmental management are crucial for long-term care. Ultimately, the key to a correct diagnosis lies in careful observation and communication between horse owners and their veterinarians.
Canva/CC
After diving into the research, horses cough for a variety of reasons. If your horse has a fever or any other signs of infection accompanied with the cough, call your veterinarian for diagnosis and further direction.
Do you have an equine myth you’d like us to tackle? If so, send it our way! Email your suggestions to [email protected]. Put Mythbuster Monday in your subject line.
