Nasal Discharge

Horses may have nasal discharge from a single nostril that is very putrid smelling when they have an abscessed tooth or a sinus infection. They may also have nasal discharge that may or may not smell bad when they have an infection involving their guttural pouch. The guttural pouch is the equine version of the small tube that connects the throat and the ears in humans (important for releasing pressure in the ears). In horses it is quite large.

Horses may have a less significant and clearer discharge when they have problems with their arytenoids (roarer) or epiglottis in the back of their throat as well.

Any of the above may cause the horse to make an abnormal noise when they breath. Horses can also have nasal discharge from mild respiratory infections (like colds in us) or from pneumonia. Horses with COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (RAO) may or may not have nasal discharge.