Very Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Equine Influenza, EI
Synonyms: Flu, Grippe, Stable Cough
Summary
Equine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus that affects a number of mammal species, including horses. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Flu commonly causes fever, coughing and nasal discharge. Younger horses tend to be more susceptible to the virus, which is transmitted via air-born secretions from coughing horses or contaminated tack and equipment.
Like many respiratory viruses, flu is usually self-limiting. Separation from other horses, rest and generalized supportive nursing care is often all that is necessary. However, some horses develop secondary bacterial infections, and even bacterial pneumonia can result. It is very important not to prematurely resume training or exercise.
Equine influenza (virus Type A) is a reportable disease, meaning that if a horse has or is suspected of having this disease, vets are required to report it to agricultural authorities (usually the State Veterinarian). These authorities may investigate the case as part of a larger effort to monitor equine health and coordinate with other states and the USDA APHIS in preventing the spread of illness or disease on a national and international level.
Diagnosis requires laboratory confirmation, usually PCR testing on respiratory secretions.
Treatment is supportive nursing care, and most importantly, isolation from other horses.
Like many respiratory viruses, flu is usually self-limiting. Separation from other horses, rest and generalized supportive nursing care is often all that is necessary. However, some horses develop secondary bacterial infections, and even bacterial pneumonia can result. It is very important not to prematurely resume training or exercise.
Equine influenza (virus Type A) is a reportable disease, meaning that if a horse has or is suspected of having this disease, vets are required to report it to agricultural authorities (usually the State Veterinarian). These authorities may investigate the case as part of a larger effort to monitor equine health and coordinate with other states and the USDA APHIS in preventing the spread of illness or disease on a national and international level.
Diagnosis requires laboratory confirmation, usually PCR testing on respiratory secretions.
Treatment is supportive nursing care, and most importantly, isolation from other horses.
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
Good with prompt treatment. Some horses may recover in a few weeks, while others may need several months of rest. A rough rule of thumb is 1 week of rest for every day the horse has a fever.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Very Common
Less Common
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- When can my horse resume forced exercise or work again?
Prevention
Several vaccinations per year may be recommended for horses at higher risk due to increased exposure at shows, racetracks or competitions. At our clinic, we recommendation vaccinating horses every 6 months, at minimum.
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health
Outside Resources
CREDIBLE EQUINE HEALTH INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET
