Abnormal nasal discharges is a common event in horses which includes

• a clear (serous) discharge: running nose
• cloudy (mucopurulent) discharge: snotty nose
• bloody (hemorrhagic) discharge: epistaxis

Often the history, appearance, odor, whether bilateral or just one side, and whether accompanied by other signs of disease will help diagnose the problem but sometimes further diagnostic work will be required. This article discusses these different characteristics and what it may mean and the further diagnostic work that may be required for a diagnosis with links provided to the specific diseases that cause nasal discharge. Also discussed is the treatment plan for a horse with a snotty discharge do to uncomplicated sinusitis.

One of the first steps that should be taken when assessing a horse with a abnormal nasal discharge is assessing a horses attitude, appetite, and vital signs especially body temperature...more. A change in attitude, body temperature, pulse, respiration, and mucous membrane color can give early clues as to whether the problem is a local disease of the upper respiratory tract a systemic disease with respiratory symptoms so should be the first thing assessed. If fever is present along with a clear to cloudy nasal discharge upper respiratory infection should be considered...more.