One of my cows coughs, protrudes her tongue, and breathes with her mouth open. Is this an indication of health issues?
The cow most likely has a lung disease in which inflammation elicits an irritated cough and reduced air space which
One of my cows coughs, protrudes her tongue, and breathes with her mouth open. Is this an indication of health issues?
The cow most likely has a lung disease in which inflammation elicits an irritated cough and reduced air space which encourages open-mouth breathing. Since a number of infectious and noninfectious causes are possible, professional assistance is necessary to make a specific diagnosis by physical and laboratory examinations.
Infectious Lung Disease (Pneumonia)
Pneumonia is a common infectious disease that is a possibility. Fever, coughing, and labored breathing are present due to inflammation and swelling of the lungs and accumulation of mucus, blood, and pus in the air passages that interfere with airflow. In an attempt to get more air, the head and neck are outstretched, and the tongue protrudes. Pneumonia is a highly complex, contagious disease and may be caused by one of several viruses in concert with various bacteria. 