Asthmatic Disease of Horses

Asthma in horses isn't referred to as asthma, but as Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD). At its worst, IAD can progress into a serious respiratory condition called the heaves.

  1. Inflammatory Airway Disease

    • Horse Barn

      Modern horses are affected with Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) more than in the past because of the greater amount of time spent inside barns. Today's barns expose horses to barn molds, feed dust, and hay, which all contribute to a higher occurrence of IAD.

    What is IAD?

    • Round Hay Bale

      IAD is a chronic, non-infectious condition that can cause a dry cough that worsens during exercise or when exposed to indoor dusts in the air.

    Diagnosis

    • Stethoscope for Listening to Lungs

      Diagnosis includes listening to the lungs with a bag covering the nose, causing the horse to breathe more deeply. At the end of exhalation, crackles and wheezing can often be heard.

    Treatment

    • Treatment with Medications

      This condition is not curable, but can be managed with certain types of steroids, bronchodilators, environmental changes, and reduction of exposure to irritants.

    Left Untreated

    • Flared Nostrils

      Left untreated, a horse with IAD will continue to find it harder to breathe, will not be able to exercise or perform work as it once did. A nasal discharge will be present, and the horse will flare its nostrils in attempts to gain breath.