Miniature colt coughing

Question
QUESTION: Toni,

I adopted 2 miniature colts a few weeks ago.  Both are approximately 4 months old. One has been coughing for a few days. He coughs when I tap his side (rib area).  I am not sure if he may have some sort of allergy as he also had some discharge out of one of his eyes yesterday.

The other question I have is on vaccinations.  When can I start vaccines on these guys and also worming?  Can I "bran" these guys like I would a regular horse to be proactive about sand colic?

Thanks : )

ANSWER: Hi Kerstin-
I answered this question for you yesterday but the system didn't post it. Oh, well- maybe its me.
The coughing sounds to me as though it could be related to worms as well as a possible allergy. The eye could also be flies, worms, allergies or he may have an infection. Have you taken his temperature? If he has a fever, you should call your vet as he may need antibiotics. You can also take a fecal sample into your vet to have it checked for worms if there is no fever (normal is between 99 and 101 degrees). Your boys are old enough to be wormed as long as the wormer is safe for babies and size appropriate. There are worming rotation charts on various websites including Jeffers Equine
( http://www.jeffersequine.com/ssc/ ) . I would recommend you not wait.
Most recommendations are to start vaccinations at 4-6 mos. I usually start mine at 6 mos.
I haven't had to deal with sand colic but I doubt there is much in bran that could hurt them as long as it's not too much.
Hope this helps. Good luck and enjoy your babies! Best, Toni


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Toni,

Thanks for your response.  I checked the colt's temp and it was normal.  I went ahead and wormed him.  How long do you think until I know if the problem was caused by worms?  If it is allergies what do you suggest I do?

Thanks so much for your time.

Kerstin

Answer
Hi Kerstin-

From what I've read, it takes about 72 hours for wormers to work. That may not relieve all the coughing though as that could continue on for a little while. You may want to check with your vet and follow-up with a fecal worm count. As far as allergies go, there are some homeopathic remedies available at feed and tack stores. Usually allergies are seasonal so they may not last. Hope this helps. Best, Toni