How to Treat Horse Flu

The horse flu, also known as equine influenza or EI, refers to the varieties of influenza virus A specific to horses. There is no known cure for this particular disease in the equestrian world. So how would you treat it? The treatment suggested will help manage the effects of it until your horse gets better. However, there are precautions that should always be taken to prevent any of your horses from getting it and steps that should be taken if they do.

Instructions

1. Allow your horse plenty of rest. The horses that do not develop complications when getting this disease should get one week's rest for every day of fever and three weeks of rest at a minimum. The rest will not only help the virus run its course but also allows the regeneration of the mucociliary apparatus. Respiratory tract epithelium takes approximately 21 days to regenerate, and, in this time, horses are susceptible to more serious illnesses. Complications that could arise during this time are kept to a minimum by restricting exercise, controlling dust, providing superior ventilation and practicing good stable hygiene.

2. Administer NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) if your horse develops a fever greater than 104 F to control symptoms and lower fever. Temperatures of this extremity can endanger a horse's life, and although the NSAIDs may not help the disease itself, it helps with the symptoms and your horse's coping through recovery.

3. Give antibiotics when a fever lasts longer than the duration of three to four days or when nasal discharge or pneumonia is present. These symptoms are found in more extreme cases of equine influenza and should not be taken lightly.

4. Vaccinate your horses to prevent and control spread of this virus. Be sure to give your horses booster shots every three to six months. If one of your horses happens to get it this disease, you should take special care to ensue that you do not use the same brush on two different horses. You should also separate them as best you can. This virus is highly contagious and is as easy to catch as coming in contact with nasal discharge of an infected horse.

5. Remain vigilant in watching for signs of this disease. The symptoms include rapid onset, high fever, depression and coughing. Other symptoms could be serious nasal discharge, anorexia and weakness. The illness usually lasts less than three days in uncomplicated cases. Mild cases usually take two to three weeks to recover, and the most serious of cases can be effected with the virus for up to six months.

References

• Equine Influenza