Can horses get nose bleeds? cause one time my thoroughbred sneezed and some blood came out. he seemed fine and this was a few months ago so i know he wasnt sick or anything. i've never seen a horse with a nose bleed before so i was wondering if its normal.

Nosebleeds can be common and not always something to necessarily be worried about. My thoroughbred got one not too long ago(at a show to top it off) and thankfully I had some people around me that helped to keep me calm. There are several types of nosebleeds, one would be work induced. After a horse, especially thoroughbreds because of their thin skin and blood vessels so close to the surface, works hard it could start a nosebleed. They usually occur in just one nostril. Two nostrils is certainly possible(that's what my guy had...which is why I was worried) and could mean something more serious. They should not last more than 15 minutes...give or take!

If nosebleeds frequent it could mean something foreign is located within the lungs or lung area. Horses have so much blood in them, a nosebleed would more than likely not cause a horse to bleed to death. They would have to lose A LOT! There is a type of nosebleed that can be fatal, but it is because of something similar to a brain aneurysm that actually starts it. You could do more research on that to understand it fully. It occurs in both nostrils and an unbelievable amount of blood.

To sum up, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Just be aware, and maybe do some more research on the topic. =)

Dublin's nosebleed is believed to have occurred because he went from indoors in a warm barn to outside, where we had a nice workout of trotting and cantering around in the bitter cold, dry air. He opened/flared his nostrils like all horses do to allow more airflow into the lungs and it probably irritated his nose - just like it would for humans. Dramatic temperature change. He did bleed from both nostrils, and it took a bit longer than 15 mins. to stop - but he wasn't showing discomfort and had no other signs or symptoms - so that is why we have our current assumption. He has been on my close radar though. That's my thoroughbred for you.

I just wanted to give a big thank you to Amy who helped to keep me calm and relaxed throughout it. And of course thanks to all of Stubbe, their riders and parents, for your concern, and to Silke who has offered her support as well!!

It's not unusual for horses to have a little nosebleed. Was this horse working (or had worked) when it happened? Exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is probably the most common cause of nose bleeding. In this condition bleeding occurs in the lung and the blood moves up the trachea.
Sinus problems are also a maybe. If the horse is stalled for periods of time they can develop tears in the sinus cavities from dust and shavings.
If it has never happened again I think you are fine but just keep an eye out!
Melanie
www.healthyhooves.ca

No problem Paula!

well, from what Paula and melaniem have said, that pretty much covers it. i've been told its quite common in thouroughbreds, escpecially ones who have raced. or are still racing. some standardbreds too.

thanx for all your help! im glad that its nothing to worry about.