How to Treat Pneumonia in Horses With Natural Antibiotics

Pneumonia affects nearly every species of mammal on the planet, although it is rare in horses. Pneumonia is an inflammatory illness affecting the respiratory system, causing swelling of the alveoli and bronchial tubes, making breathing difficult. Foals and elderly horses are most at risk from pneumonia, although horses of any age can contract the illness. Treating pneumonia can be a challenge, but there are a number of natural antibiotics available to help your horse make a complete recovery.

Things You'll Need

  • Large syringe
Show More

Instructions

  1. How to Treat Pneumonia in Horses With Natural Antibiotics

    • 1

      Study the symptoms of pneumonia. Horses with this condition will often have a fever, coughing, depression, trouble breathing, and a green or yellow discharge from the nostrils. The symptoms can spring up very quickly, so watch your horse carefully.

    • 2

      Familiarize yourself with natural supplements for your horse. Natural antibiotics are formulated from herbal and other natural sources, making them safe to administer to all horses. Ingredients such as olive leaf have been shown to fight and kill fungal and bacterial agents, making them ideal for treating pneumonia. Mustard seed and black seed also are good treatments, as they help fight fever and reduce inflammation, helping your horse to breathe.

    • 3

      Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to diagnose your horse's illness. Chronic cases of pneumonia can be deadly if left untreated, so do not delay in having your horse examined. Describe the symptoms to your vet, who can advise you on the best course of treatment. Explain to your vet that you wish to treat your horse with natural antibiotics, and he will recommend the proper medication and give you dosing instructions.

    • 4

      Isolate your sick horse from the rest of your herd. Pneumonia can quickly spread from horse to horse, so isolating her will help prevent the rest from contracting the infection. Keep her stall warm and dry, cleaning it daily and adding plenty of fresh bedding to make her as comfortable as possible. Allow her free access to fresh water and feed, although she may not want to eat for the first few days.

    • 5

      Administer the antibiotics as directed by your veterinarian. Most herbal treatments are given orally as opposed to injection, so make sure you read the directions carefully for proper dosage. A large syringe works well for dosing herbal treatments. Fill the syringe with the proper dose, placing it as far back in your horse's mouth as possible to keep him from spitting it out. A handful of grain or a favorite treat after medicating him will keep him positive and prevent him from fighting you during his recovery.

    • 6

      Watch for symptoms of recovery. Your horse will begin to breathe easier and the discharge will resolve itself as the fluid in his lungs dissipates. He also will be more alert and want to eat as the antibiotic kills off the bad bacteria in his body.

    • 7

      Allow your horse to rest for at least four weeks after he is fully recovered. Resuming exercise too soon after an illness can depress the immune system and make your horse prone to a relapse. Hand walk him for the first few days, progressing to short turnouts as his health improves and he has more energy to expend.