24/7. More serious cases may involve allergy testing, anti-histamines, oral, injectable or inhaled steroids, as well as oral bronchi-dilators. Since, all medications have side effects working with your vet will detail the program unique to you horse.
Remember to discuss all respiratory issue with your vet especially when the horse is sick. Change in weather definitely can affect your horse's immune system and tailoring a vaccine protocol will help keep your horse happy for the trails!
Dr. Hamorski and her Paint cross, Camelot Kid "John John" during an eventing clinic
known as purport hemorrhagica. If I have clients who wants the vaccine I feel a titer is the best way to find out if additional shots are needed. Some horse’s titers remain high for years!! Each situation must be weighed by all parties.
One condition that is not contagious is COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or the heaves, similar to allergic bronchitis. Environmental factors play a huge role as the airway becomes irritated. Mucus can plug up the lower airways resulting in a wheezy type cough, which is usually dry in nature (vs. moist cough in infectious states). Early in the diagnosis your vet may use a rebreathing bag placed over the nose and mouth and remove it after the horse takes a number of very deep breaths. Using a stethoscope your vet will listen to the first few sounds to determine what is going on inside the chest. Wheezes, cracks and squeaks are abnormal and point to a diagnosis of COPD. Management is the best way to attempt to lessen the signs and begins with simply soaking the hay, opening windows or better yet keeping the horse out 24/7. More serious cases may involve allergy testing, anti-histamines, oral, injectable or inhaled steroids, as well as oral bronchi-dilators. Since, all medications have side effects working with your vet will detail the program unique to you horse.
Remember to discuss all respiratory issue with your vet especially when the horse is sick. Change in weather definitely can affect your horse's immune system and tailoring a vaccine protocol will help keep your horse happy for the trails!
Equine Influenza
Equine rebreathing bag