Page 705 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• a tumour in the respiratory tract

VetBooks.ir How to decide if a nosebleed is serious

•
How much blood is being lost? It is important to estimate the blood loss as a small bleed
down the front of a grey horse can look dramatic while a large bleed may be concealed

under straw bedding. Would the drips slowly fill a teacup or would the flow rapidly
amount to several litres (half a stable bucket)? Most minor bleeds stop within 15 minutes

but if you are concerned, seek immediate veterinary advice.
• Is the blood coming from one nostril or two? This is important as bleeding from guttural

pouch mycosis (which can be rapidly fatal) usually occurs from one nostril.

• Is there any obvious reason for the bleed? Has the horse just had a knock or fall? Has the
vet just passed a stomach tube up the nose?

• Is it a one-off nosebleed? If it has happened repeatedly then it definitely needs
investigation.

• Has the horse just been exercising hard and therefore be likely to have an EIPH?

Diagnosis

In order to determine the cause of recurrent or persistent nosebleeds, the vet may use the
following techniques.

• Endoscopy.

• Sinoscopy – the endoscope is inserted directly into the sinus cavity through a small hole
drilled in the skull.

• Radiography.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

• Computed tomography (CT).

Treatment

Once the source of the nosebleed has been identified, the most appropriate treatment can be

given.

First aid for nosebleeds

• With any nosebleed the horse should be kept as calm as possible. Confining it to a stable
may help.