Horses lack the anatomical structure necessary for coughing. They have a different structure in their larynx (voice box) that makes it difficult for them to forcefully expel air from their lungs the way other animals do.
Instead of coughing, horses use a variety of other mechanisms to clear their airways, such as:
* Sneezing: Horses can sneeze to clear their nasal passages.
* Snorting: This helps clear the nasal passages of dust and debris.
* Head shaking: This can dislodge particles from the respiratory tract.
* Increased respiratory rate: This helps to flush out irritants in the lungs.
It's important to note that while horses can't cough in the traditional sense, they can still experience respiratory issues and require veterinary care.