In so many ways this is the hardest part of the winter - especially this year, where the cold snap has come so late after a long, mild spell. To protect them from the weather, most people’s horses are spending a lot more time in the stable at this time of year, and that increases their risk of respiratory problems.
Infectious causes (like Equine Influenza) are often preventable by vaccination (check out our prices on equine vaccines!). However, the most common respiratory condition in horses in the UK is probably RAO (Recurrent Airway Obstruction, aka COPD, aka Heaves aka lots of other names). This is sometimes described as being “like asthma” in humans - although the details are very different, the effects can be pretty similar.
Like asthma, RAO is an allergic response, and its usually triggered by dust and/or fungal spores in the air. It seems to be more common in older horses, but it can affect horses of any age; and its much more common in stabled horses than those at pasture (because there’s more dust and crud in the air in a stable - no matter how well mucked out it is, the air inside’s never going to be as clean as it is out in the field!)
The result is that the small airways close down (called bronchospasm), making it harder and harder for the horse to breathe. This creates a characteristic “wheeze”, often when breathing out as they try to force air out of the lungs. Over time, the muscles on the belly and chest that drive breathing get bigger and stronger, resulting in a “heave line”.
Occasionally, some horses have an acute respiratory crisis, where the RAO kicks in suddenly, over a few hours, rather than weeks. In these cases, the horses are really struggling to get enough air down. This is a real emergency, and needs urgent veterinary attention; while you’re waiting for the vet to arrive, it’s usually best to get the horse out of the stable into the cleanest air you can find.
The condition isn’t generally curable, but it can usually be managed with medication (e.g. Ventipulmin granules), or inhalers. There are also a range of herbal and nutritional supplements designed to improve general respiratory health, help in the clearance of secretions from the lungs, and boost local immunity.
This month, MyVetMeds are offering specially reduced prices on respiratory supplements... AND we’ll also give you Double Reward Points on everything in the Respiratory Assist selection!
