I just purchased a horse a few days ago and brought her home. For the past few days she has been breathing very fast and shallow. No other symptoms. What could it be? Vet is coming out tomorrow or Tuesday to look at her.
I think a vet needs to assess the horse so good for you that you're getting one to come out. I'm sure this is stressful, but there's no way we can offer advice on the Internet.
Agreed, get the vet out. Is it really hot where you are? The horse I ride breathes like that during the summer, because he doesn't really sweat too well.
Do you have any experienced horse people around you could have come and look at the horse before the vet can come?
My guesses would be either that the horse has anhidrosis or another issue with being too hot, or else the horse has COPD/heaves.
Does the horse have a long coat still, inappropriate for the weather? Sometimes horses with Cushing's don't shed and can't tolerate hotter weather. They may need to be clipped if they can't shed well enough.
If it seems like the horse is too hot, try hosing the horse down to see if it helps. If the horse can't sweat properly you may have to keep the horse under shade and/or provide fans during the day and let the horse out at night.
Another possibility is COPD. My friends' horse was exposed to wildfire smoke and his COPD caused him to breathe like you describe. This was life threatening and the vet gave him breathing treatments and medications to help open his lungs. He is fine now but can't be in dusty or smoky environments.
Thank you it means so much. I have had horses my whole life... but healthy ones lol I’ve never had any issues besides normal cuts and scrapes so this is a new one for me. She does have a bit of winter hair left around her spine and on the bridge of her nose. Could this indicate Cushings even though it’s not a lot? I watered down her hay earlier today too so hopefully that helps if it is the start of heaves or something similar.
Forgot to tell everyone on here... lol she just was out of shape apparently! Under a bit of stress too from being moved. Everything cleared up within a few days and vet cleared her! 👍🏼☺
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