Very Common
Less Common
Rare
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Discharge from One or Both Nostrils (Clear)
Summary
A small to moderate amount (not actively dripping from the nostrils) of clear nasal discharge from one or both nostrils is usually normal in horses. A normal, clear discharge is made up of secretions from the nasal passages, and from tears that drain from the eye through the naso-lacrimal duct and into the nostril.
If nasal discharge becomes excessive, thicker (mucous consistency), more opaque (white, yellow or green), contains feed material, or is accompanied by other abnormalities there may be cause for concern.
If nasal discharge becomes excessive, thicker (mucous consistency), more opaque (white, yellow or green), contains feed material, or is accompanied by other abnormalities there may be cause for concern.
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Code Green
Contact Your Vet to Obtain Useful Advice & Resources- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's general health using the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to whether this observation is accompanied by any other abnormalities or illness. If the nasal drainage is not clear or seems excessive, or the horse seems dull or depressed, share your findings and concerns with your vet.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
your vet's role
Your vet will likely tell you this is a normal finding, unless it is accompanied by other signs of illness or abnormalities.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Do you notice a cough?
- Does the discharge appear to be coming from one or both nostrils?
- When did you first notice this problem?
- Do you think the horse's attitude and appetite are normal?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
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Equine Viral Arteritis, EVA
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Viral Infection, Non-Specific
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Conjunctivitis, Generally
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Summer Pasture-Associated Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, SPAOPD
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Allergy or Hypersensitivity, Generally
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Recurrent Airway Obstruction, RAO
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Equine Rhinitis A & B Viruses
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Foal or Newborn, Cleft Palate or Lip
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Nasopharyngeal Cicatrix Syndrome
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Hendra Virus, HeV
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
