My vet came out last Thursday to check Kazi out. As I've mentioned, Kazi has been having issues with coughing and a sore back. Lately, his coughing hasn't been that bad. He occasionally coughs during exercise, and I've noticed him cough a couple of times while eating.
While Dr. White examined Kazi, he explained a few of the possible diagnosis. COPD (heaves) was on the top of the topic list. After finishing the exam, he said that he doesn't believe that Kazi is a COPD horse. Other than coughing, he doesn't show any other symptoms of Heaves. But, because Kazi was so much worse off in the summer, I asked Dr. White if there is a season-specific condition that could be causing the coughing. He told me that heaves is caused by allergies, there could be something in the summer that triggers it. Since he couldn't diagnose anything, he told me to keep a journal of his symptoms and call him if anything changes.
He also checked out Kazi's back. Apparently a lot of horses will dip their back when you run your fingers down the horses' spine. He didn't seemed concerned about it, and just said to use a well padded saddle pad. He did give me a number to an Equine Chiropractor, which I'm very happy about! Dr. White gave me some bute to give Kazi as needed.
After they left, I tacked Kazi up, and rode for about 20 minutes. He coughed within the first 20 seconds of trotted. GRRRR! So frustrating that he was coughing right after the vet couldn't diagnose anything! He gave 3-4 decent coughs. I've ridden him 2-3 times after that, and he didn't cough or anything.. so Idk. I've been considering putting him back on the Cough Free. But, I don't want to mask the symptoms while were still trying to figure out whatever he has! I'll probably call my vet in the next couple of days and see what he thinks.
Not much to report on the Bones front. I'm heading out there soon to ride (hopefully we'll go on the trail) so I'll blog about that later on!
After they left, I tacked Kazi up, and rode for about 20 minutes. He coughed within the first 20 seconds of trotted. GRRRR! So frustrating that he was coughing right after the vet couldn't diagnose anything! He gave 3-4 decent coughs. I've ridden him 2-3 times after that, and he didn't cough or anything.. so Idk. I've been considering putting him back on the Cough Free. But, I don't want to mask the symptoms while were still trying to figure out whatever he has! I'll probably call my vet in the next couple of days and see what he thinks.
Not much to report on the Bones front. I'm heading out there soon to ride (hopefully we'll go on the trail) so I'll blog about that later on!
Does the coughing happen when you're riding Kazi or just in general? My trainer's horse always coughed at the beginning of our ride because she kicked up the dirt in the arena. Dust allergy maybe?
ReplyDeleteIt mostly happens when riding. He does it outdoors, also.. so I'm not sure if it's a dust allergy. He also occasionally coughs when he is eating hay, or grain.
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