Fireworks and hiccupping

[BackintheSaddle2]

It’s the 4th of July, and in the US that means tons of fireworks. My horse became pretty nervous and was running around her paddock. I gave her hay to help calm her.

About an hour or so into the fireworks display, she started to hiccup…or what sounded like hiccupping. I know that hiccupping is pretty rare in horses. I thought at first maybe it was caused by mild choke, but she wasn’t exhibiting any other symptoms (no discharge from nose, no outstretched neck, no distress, and she was happily eating). She didn’t seem particularly upset from the hiccupping either–I don’t think they were causing her pain.

My question: Could her hiccupping be caused from her anxiety over the fireworks? This is the first time she has done this. She isn’t dehydrated, so thumps isn’t my first thought.

[Weezer]

There have been a few times when a mare at my place made strange kinds of sounds but showed no signs of distress. It was always while she was having grain. She would walk away from her grain, sometimes going to get a drink. I assumed it was mild choke and added more water to her beet pulp. It hasn’t happened since. This makes me think your situation may have been similar. As a horse owner, I have grown to hate fireworks.

On the advice of others here, when I’m expecting fireworks I lock the horses in the barn, close all doors, turn on fans and play music. That has worked well for me.

[Buddy0227]

Thumps

[WildGooseChase]

Thumps can absolutely be caused by your horse becoming excited and anxious. It’s very comparable to a human hiccup, but they have a much more dangerous undertone. They are very indicative of electrolyte imbalance. Sure, she may be hydrated, but if those salts aren’t in balance, you’ve got a problem.

Rest, continuing to provide fresh water, and replenishing electrolytes is where I would start. Paste electrolytes are generally a good option, but Uckele’s Pro-Lyte pellets are palatable. I give my horse a scoop in some extra pellets after a ride where she sweats (after she is cool and dry of course!). It’s made a huge difference in recovery time.