Nosebleeds in horses can look pretty alarming, whether it is just a trickle or a full flow. Thankfully, there are several common reasons horses may experience epistaxis, or a bloody nose. While many cases are not serious, it is still important to investigate the underlying cause and know when to contact your veterinarian.
Nosebleeds in Horses from Trauma
The most common reason horses get nosebleeds is from an acute injury. The blood vessels inside the nose are tiny and delicate and will bleed if your horse bumps into a gate, scratches a bug bite in or around their nose, or gets kicked by another horse. In this situation, you will generally see a small amount of blood from one or both nostrils, and the bleeding normally subsides within about fifteen minutes.
If the bleeding is associated with a small external injury, basic care products such as those available in the equine wound care category may help support proper cleaning and care of minor wounds. Always monitor your horse closely to make sure the bleeding stops and no additional symptoms appear.
Nosebleeds After Intense Exercise
Another common cause of nosebleeds in horses is exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, often abbreviated as EIPH. This condition is most often seen in racing Thoroughbreds after intense exercise. EIPH occurs when blood enters the lungs, possibly due to a ruptured blood vessel caused by increased heart rate and blood pressure, deep breathing, and the physical stress associated with heavy exercise.
EIPH is very common and has been observed through endoscopic exams in as many as 75 percent of horses after intense exercise. Only a small percentage of horses with EIPH will actually show visible bleeding from the nose. Although EIPH is typically not life-threatening, it can be progressive and may affect athletic performance as it worsens.
Your veterinarian will need to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may include medications such as furosemide, and in some cases, supportive respiratory care products may help support overall respiratory health in horses.
Some horse owners also use nasal strips during intense exercise to reduce resistance in the nasal passages and lower the pressure associated with EIPH.
When to Call Your Vet About Nosebleeds in Horses
Although nosebleeds are usually not serious, there are situations where they can signal a more serious health problem. Any time your horse has a nosebleed or another concerning symptom, it is a good idea to take their vital signs. Unexpected changes in heart rate, temperature, or breathing can indicate distress.
Many causes of nosebleeds are not emergencies, but you should still contact your veterinarian during their next office hours. Bleeding that occurs without a clear explanation should be investigated. Your horse could be dealing with issues such as:
- A sinus infection
- A foreign object, such as a pebble, in the nasal cavity
- Nasal polyps or tumors
- Infection affecting the respiratory tract
If the nosebleed lasts longer than 20 minutes or seems especially severe, contact your veterinarian immediately. Regardless of the underlying cause, extreme blood loss can become dangerous.
One rare but serious cause of a nosebleed is a guttural pouch infection that begins to damage nearby blood vessels, including the carotid artery that runs along the wall of the guttural pouch. Early signs may include nasal discharge and difficulty swallowing. If untreated, the condition can eventually lead to a severe and potentially fatal nosebleed.
Horse owners should also pay attention to the appearance of the blood. A nosebleed may consist of bright red blood, which signals a fresh bleed. In other cases, you might see dark clotted blood, blood-tinged mucus, or a mixture of blood and mucus. Bleeding may occur from one nostril or from both nostrils.
Supporting your horse’s overall health with preventative care can help reduce the risk of many conditions. Routine care products may help support general wellness and recovery after illness or stress.
Carefully describing your horse’s symptoms to your veterinarian will help them determine the most likely cause and recommend the right treatment plan.
