COPD in horses is a common condition that affects horses of all ages predominantly in the spring and summer season. Its symptoms are similar to those of allergies and cause the airways of your horse to constrict. Do horses get COPD? COPD is most commonly seen in winter, due to Read more…
Definition. Equine asthma (formerly known as recurrent airway obstruction or heaves) is a respiratory disease caused by hypersensitivity in the lungs to airborne dusts and moulds. Is equine asthma the same as COPD? What is equine asthma? Equine asthma a non-infectious inflammatory airway disease triggered by environmental allergens such as Read more…
The most common types of allergic reactions in horses show up in the skin or respiratory system. In the skin, you may notice your horse vigorously itching an area or overcome with hives. For a respiratory reaction, your horse may begin coughing, sneezing or wheezing, but without nasal discharge. Why Read more…
Horses with strangulating large colon volvulus have been reported to have a relatively low rate of survival[13]. However, another study reported a survival rate of 83%, which is likely due to early recognition and surgical correction of the strangulating volvulus[11]. What causes a displaced colon in horses? It has been Read more…
However, horses with moderate to severe signs of COPD will also require medical treatment, at least initially. Treatment will often involve combined use of bronchodilator and corticosteroid drugs. Bronchodilator drugs (e.g., clenbuterol) are particularly indicated for horses experiencing an acute “heaves” attack. What can you give your horse that has Read more…
Equine Nebulizers Nebulizers deliver a specific dose of medication in liquid form directly into the airways for rapid effects. Inhalation therapy is the preferred method to manage equine asthma and may also be used as adjunctive therapies to treat pneumonia and recurrent airway obstruction (heaves). How often should you nebulize Read more…
Dexamethasone is a prescription medication that is to be used only under the supervision of a veterinarian. It is a potent steroid (anti-inflammatory) that can be given intravenously, intramuscularly and orally. Can you give a horse Dex IM? General Drug Information and Indications Dexamethasone commonly is used in horses to Read more…
The use of dexamethasone will relieve pain in your horses and make them calmer to ride but with all of the other potential ill effects, it hardly seems worth the risk. Does dexamethasone help with pain in horses? Dexamethasone is used inappropriately in the horse show world for its supposed Read more…
The most consistent sign of a horse suffering from heaves is a chronic cough. They will also display flared nostrils with nasal discharge and will be exercise intolerant. In chronic cases, horses will lose weight due to stress. Why is my horse coughing and losing weight? Equine asthma is a Read more…
Doses greater than those recommended in horses may produce a transient drowsiness or lethargy in some horses. The lethargy usually abates in 24 hours. Use of corticosteroids, depending on dose, duration, and specific steroid, may result in inhibition of endogenous steroid production following drug withdrawal. Can you give a horse Read more…