Foaming at the mouth is a common sight when it comes to horses, and it can be quite alarming for an inexperienced horse owner. Fortunately, there are several potential causes for a horse to foam at the mouth, and it’s important to be aware of them to ensure the health and safety of your horse. In this article, we’ll explore what it means when a horse is foaming at the mouth and how to differentiate between the various causes.
What Does Foaming at the Mouth Look Like?
At first glance, a horse foaming at the mouth may look like it is drooling or salivating. Foaming at the mouth is a condition where the horse is producing a thick, white foam from their mouth, often accompanied by a frothy saliva. This foam is usually visible around the horse’s lips and can sometimes extend to their chin, neck and chest.
What Causes a Horse to Foam at the Mouth?
There are several potential causes of a horse foaming at the mouth. Some of the more common causes include:
Exercise
The most common cause of a horse foaming at the mouth is during exercise. This is caused by the horse’s saliva mixing with sweat during strenuous exercise. The saliva creates a foam that is visible around the horse’s mouth.
Disease
Another potential cause of foaming at the mouth is a disease or illness. Horses can suffer from a variety of illnesses, some of which can cause them to foam at the mouth. Diseases such as rabies, equine herpes virus, equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), equine infectious anemia (EIA) and West Nile virus can all cause a horse to foam at the mouth.
Pain
Pain can also cause a horse to foam at the mouth. This is usually caused by the horse grinding its teeth due to pain, which can cause a thick foam to be produced around the mouth. This can be caused by a variety of issues, such as dental problems, colic, laminitis and more.
Stress
Stress can also cause a horse to foam at the mouth. This is usually caused by the horse grinding its teeth due to stress, which can cause a thick foam to be produced around the mouth. This can be caused by a variety of stressors, such as loud noises, unfamiliar surroundings, sudden changes in routine, etc.
Feeding
In some cases, a horse may foam at the mouth due to the type of food or treat they are eating. This is usually caused by the horse grinding its teeth due to the sweetness or texture of the food or treat, which can cause a thick foam to be produced around the mouth.
Toxin
Toxic plants and substances can also cause a horse to foam at the mouth. This is usually caused by the horse ingesting a toxic substance, which can cause a thick foam to be produced around the mouth. Some of the most common toxins that can cause this issue are white snakeroot, yew, and oleander.
What to Do if Your Horse is Foaming at the Mouth
If your horse is foaming at the mouth, it’s important to take action immediately. First, you should check to see if the foam is accompanied by any other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, or loss of appetite. If there are any other symptoms present, it’s best to call your vet immediately.
If there are no other symptoms present, you should take the following steps:
- Remove any potential toxins – If you think your horse may have ingested a toxin, such as a plant or chemical, remove any potential sources from their environment.
- Check for pain – Check for any signs of pain, such as grinding of the teeth, stiffness, or a reluctance to move. If you suspect your horse is in pain, call your vet.
- Monitor their behavior – Monitor your horse for any changes in behavior, such as lethargy, reluctance to move, or a change in appetite.
- Provide a calm environment – Provide your horse with a quiet, calm environment to help reduce stress.
- Reduce exercise – If your horse is foaming at the mouth due to exercise, reduce the amount and intensity of exercise until the foaming subsides.
When to Call the Vet
If your horse is foaming at the mouth and is exhibiting any other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it’s best to call your vet immediately. Additionally, if the foaming does not subside after taking the steps outlined above, it’s best to call your vet for further advice.
How to Prevent Foaming at the Mouth
There are several steps you can take to help prevent your horse from foaming at the mouth. These include:
- Provide a balanced diet – Ensure your horse is receiving a balanced diet of hay, grain, and water, as this will help to keep them in good health and reduce the risk of disease.
- Limit sugar and sweet treats – Limit the amount of sugar and sweet treats your horse is receiving, as this can cause them to foam at the mouth.
- Check for toxins – Check for any possible toxins that may be present in your horse’s environment, such as plants or chemicals.
- Maintain dental health – Have your horse’s teeth checked regularly to ensure they are in good health and to identify any potential problems early on.
- Monitor stress levels – Monitor your horse for any signs of stress, such as grinding of the teeth or reluctance to move, and take steps to reduce their stress levels.
Conclusion
Foaming at the mouth is a common sight when it comes to horses. Fortunately, there are several potential causes for a horse to foam at the mouth, and it’s important to be aware of them to ensure the health and safety of your horse. If your horse is foaming at the mouth and exhibiting other symptoms, it’s best to call your vet immediately. Additionally, there are several steps you can take to help prevent your horse from foaming at the mouth.