HORSES AND DROOLING.

Horses ,like any animal have salivary glands that produce saliva for digestive functions .When a horse is hungry or perceives food in the environment,it drools.There are cases where horses drool/ hyper salivate continuously that is not food related,this is where veterinary attention is required immediately. PLEASE NOTE; NOT ALL SALIVATING/DROOLING HORSE HAS RABIES. Drooling is actually caused by a blockage in the small intestine/stomach,thus fluid accumulates in stomach and finally backup in the esophagus into mouth and nasal passage.The common causes of drooling are 1) injury to the mouth. 2)inflammation in buccal cavity. 3) broken teeth. 4)irritations. 5)allergies to ingested materials. 6) reactions to toxins;especially fungal toxins gotten from pasture. 7)nerve damage /head injury. When drooling is accompanied with fever that does not abate readily, if the horse does not eat or refuses drink ,accompanied with high heart rate,; seek vet attention immediately. When the drooling involves the nasal passage its an esophageal obstruction. .