Word from Dr. Urig about sick horses.

For clients - please feel free to share this information! I'm working with the assistant state veterinarian and our state diagnostic lab to get to the bottom of the equine respiratory disease that is spreading around town. At this time, only horses appear to be affected. They have symptoms of cough, snotty noses, fever (usually around 104), and some loss of appetite. Some have crusty eyes, as well. No horses have been reported dead at this time. Horses seem to be recovering from the worst of the symptoms within 2-3 days. I have sent in samples to try and identify what the infection is, but it will be next week before I get any results. If you have concerns about your horse being sick, I would highly recommend that you check its temperature first, as a fever will likely be the first symptom that your horse will have even if it doesn't seem sick. Normal horse temperature is around 99-100 degrees. Before you start any treatment of your horse, please call the clinic at 885-3399. I would like to get more samples if possible, as this will really help us to get a solid diagnosis. We can also help guide you in the best treatment for your horse. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to call us. If it is after office hours, our emergency phone number is 200-9399.