How to Treat Equine Asthma

Equine asthma, also known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Reactive Airway Disease (RAD), Recurrent Airway Obstruction (ROA), "broken wind," or "heaves", is similar to human asthma. It is an extreme respiratory allergy that is very common in older horses over six years of age, according to Equina Wellness. It often develops over time as a reaction to environmental conditions, especially in horses that are commonly kept in stables for long periods of time. Treatment strategies include environmental management, conventional medicine and some natural remedies.

Things You'll Need

  • Fresh hay or straw
  • Pellet feed
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Instructions

    • 1
      Environment is a common contributor to equine asthma.

      Change bedding in stables daily, advises Horse IT. Straw and hay can accumulate fungus. Additionally, horses kept in a stable continually will breathe in a high concentration of ammonia due to the urine that accumulates in the stall. Consider changing the type of feed the horse receives to pellets, rather than hay, which can become moldy if it is subjected to moisture, and grain that is stored in rolls often collects dust. Additionally, states Equina Wellness, relocate horses to another area, outdoors if possible, while you clean the stable. Managing the horse's environment will help horses who have respiratory problems and prevent the development of such ailments in healthy horses.

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      See a veterinarian for diagnosis and conventional treatment of equine asthma

      Consult a veterinarian. Traditional medicine is helpful for many cases of equine asthma. This approach often involves bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory steroids, which work to calm muscle spasms in the horse's lungs. This type of treatment is not usually used long-term, due to side effects. Morris Animal Foundation reports that researchers at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech are working on a treatment that features a combination of albuterol and magnesium. The magnesium extends the effective period of albuterol therapy by several hours, making this a promising alternative to treatments currently in common use.

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      Find a vet who uses natural remedies. Many plants are beneficial for cleansing and soothing the respiratory tract. They include garlic, eucalyptus and licorice. Yarrow can also aid with upper respiratory problems, along with certain fatty acids that contain beneficial antioxidants.