Asthma Medication for Horses

Asthma in horses is commonly called heaves, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis, which all refer to an equine lung condition. There are many different treatments available to help suppress the symptoms associated with these conditions. Asthma may be caused by environmental allergies or dusty hay. Before treating equine asthma, be sure the hay is dust-free and the horse is in a clean environment that is as free of allergens as possible.

  1. Steroids

    • One method of treatment for equine asthma is steroid therapy. According to the Recovery EQ website, prednisone, dexamethasone and triamcinolone are three medications that can be used to alleviate asthmatic symptoms in horses. These steroids offer quick relief to reduce mucus production and treat inflammation. The best way to administer the steroid is by inhalation with a mask, but if the horse will not accept the mask, the steroid may be given orally or by injection. Caution needs to be taken when treating asthma with steroids for a long period of time, and the treatment should be discussed with a veterinarian.

    Non-Steroid Treatment

    • Bronchodialators such as clenbuterol, pirbuterol and albuterolmay may be used in place of steroids to treat asthma in horses. Recovery EQ suggests that these medications may be combined with anti-inflammatory drugs to treat severe cases. These drugs may be administered by injection or orally, but as with steroids, they are best used with inhalation therapy. The medications will help the horse by reducing swelling and relieving airway obstructions.

    Alternative Therapy

    • Chinese herbal medicines may be used to treat equine asthma without the use of medications. According to the Veterinary Institute of Integrated Medicine, there are two formulas specifically designed for horses with either a wet or dry cough. A dry cough and asthma does not produce phlegm, produces shortness of breath and may include an afternoon fever. A dry cough can be treated using a medicine called Equine Chinese Herbal Dry Cough, while a wet cough may require Equine Chinese Herbal Wet Cough. For chronic asthma cases, Equine Chinese Herbal Wet Cough can be effective whether the horse has a dry or wet cough. If the horse has an upper respiratory infection, Equine Antioxidant and Equine Immune Support should be added to treat the infection as well as the asthma.