Coughing?

[rusk]

My horse has had a dry cough for a couple of days now. I have looked through all my books and he doesn't have any of the other symptoms which would make it serious. I think it must be the hay as he was stabled at the weekend (only at night) for the first time this winter and of course getting lots of hay.
I am faced with the thought of having to soak the hay, any ideas on how???

[nutkin]

My horse has a terrible cough on dusty hay. Is there any way you could feed haylage or a less dusty hay. If you have to feed damp hay then its best left to soak for some time rather than just fed damp. I would be inclined to make sure you have plenty of nets and soak them for 24 hours before use in a dustbin with a lid on.

[arabianbaby]

i could be wrong but i believe soaking for more than a few minutes and you will lose nutrients so just a few minutes to get rid of the dust. i soaked hay all summer and it is a huge hassle.
smokey had a dry cough each time i would first trot him. soaking his for a few minutes improved it but didn't totally make it better. now i'm steaming it by pouring a kettle of boiling water over it (this will get rid of mold too). it's SO much easier and his cough is now completely gone even though he's in more for winter.
hope that helps. :)

[redcedar]

i agree with arabianbaby , soaking hay , one looses its nutrient value if soaked for too long and two its such a hassle and if it freezes or your not strong it can be horrid to deal with (wet jods, broken back , haynets like iceburgs ..lol )

Personally i steam mine as well and feed on the floor . I stuff the hay into either a dustbin ora large palstic feed sack (depending on how much i have to do ) . and then pour on a couple of kettles worth of boiling water , close the lid or tie the bag top and leave for a few mins .then you can serve this nice warm hay to your horses ....

Mine both cough in winter on normal hay but this way they are both in sound wind :)