A resting respiration rate higher than 40 breaths per minute in foals is abnormal. Pus may come from both nostrils. Or it may form only a dry crusting at the nostril opening or on the front of the cannon bone, where foals wipe their noses. Coughing may occur early in the morning when foals are either disturbed or restrained after lying down or brief exercise. Most foals with pneumonia will cough when a rebreathing bag is placed over their nostrils.
Treatments are to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
The foals need broad-spectrum antibodies and supportive nursing care. Bacterial pneumonia normally affects foals from 1-6 months old, but usually before 4 months of age. A number of opportunistic bacteria cause pneumonia. Rhodococcus equi is the most common and deadliest. Foals normally inhale R. equi on particles of dust.