Michael J. Suit DVM Offers Treatment of Equine Respiratory Diseases

Horses can develop a number of different respiratory diseases that have visible symptoms and can affect their energy levels. Your veterinarian can treat these problems, returning your horse to good health and function.  Dr. Michael J. Suit, located in Fort Collins, CO, can offer help for equine respiratory diseases.

Types of Equine Respiratory Problems

Viral respiratory infections are a common problem in horses. Equine herpesvirus, equine influenza, and equine viral arteritis can occur, producing severe and debilitating symptoms. Secondary bacterial infections that cause pneumonia can also occur as a result. In other cases, horses may develop simple inflammatory respiratory infections from dusty environments or reactive respiratory problems from contact with allergens. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect your horse from these diseases. Vaccines may not protect the animal fully from disease, but the duration and severity of the illness will be lessened.

Causes of Equine Respiratory Disease

Horses may be exposed to infectious agents during travel, when they are exposed to new horses, when they move to new environments, or when they are under stress from training or work. Veterinary measures can help to eliminate infections and provide relief from symptoms.

Symptoms of Equine Respiratory Illness

You may notice your horse has a thick nasal discharge, cough, swollen glands, and may be off his feed. Some animals will develop a persistent fever, abnormal lung sounds, depression, and low energy. These are signs you should call in your veterinarian to examine your animal and provide appropriate treatment to remedy the problem.

Treatment of Equine Respiratory Diseases

Your vet will give your horse a thorough examination. Sputum samples may be taken to identify the source of infection so that proper treatment can be administered. An ultrasound or x-ray of the thoracic cavity may be done to determine the extent of the problem. Antibiotics will be administered in case of a bacterial infection, as well as other medications to reduce symptoms and facilitate breathing. Accumulation of fluid may require needle aspiration performed under anesthesia. Your veterinarian will provide additional instructions for care during the recovery period.

Make Dr. Michael J. Suit Your Veterinarian in Fort Collins, CO

Dr. Suit uses his many years of experience in equine veterinary care to ensure the health of his patients in Fort Collins, CO, and the surrounding communities. We offer many services, including vaccination, lameness evaluation, dental care, and wellness care. Call Dr. Michael Suit today at 970-218-7947 for an appointment to have your horse examined and to learn about effective treatments for equine respiratory disease.