Below is a list of quite scary and serious respiratory problems. The treatment/prevention for most includes reducing dust in the feed by wetting it down, reducing dust and other allergens in stable beddings, improving ventilation in the environment, and feeding from the ground so that the horse's airways can drain naturally, so they are all a good place to start before embarking on more invasive interventions, assuming you're not seeing additional symptoms like green mucus or lymph node swelling.
Monitor the dust in your chaff and change brands to whatever is the best quality in your area.
Additionally, support your horse's immune system with one of our Sound Advice Trace mixes containing optimal zinc. Â
If your horse's coughing or sneezing is seasonal, it maybe a reaction to pollens, grasses and insects. Make a note in your diary so you can track it over time. Also note if particular trees or grasses in your pasture are flowering/seeding to see if you can pin it down.
Spirulina is a natural antihistamine. We don't stock it (but we can if you are interested). We'll put more on spirulina at the end.Â
Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)
Description: RAO, also known as heaves, is similar to asthma in humans. It is a chronic, non-infectious airway condition that affects horses, particularly those kept in stables with poor ventilation.
Symptoms: Coughing, nasal discharge, laboured breathing, and exercise intolerance.
Treatment: Improving stable ventilation, reducing dust exposure, soaking hay, and using medications like bronchodilators and corticosteroids.
Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD)
Description: IAD is a milder form of RAO and affects younger horses. It is often triggered by environmental factors such as dust and allergens.
Symptoms: Mild coughing, nasal discharge, and decreased performance.
Treatment: Environmental management, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes antibiotics if a secondary infection is present.
Equine Influenza
Description: Equine influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory tract of horses.
Symptoms: Fever, dry cough, nasal discharge, and lethargy.
Treatment: Rest, supportive care, and anti-inflammatory medications.Â
There was an equine flu outbreak in Australia in 2007-2008. A rapid vaccination program ensued. Equine flu is not in Australia according to the DPI.
However.
Racing training stables are notoriously hubs for contagious illnesses with flu-like symptoms. If your horse attends a training or pre-training stable, or travels via a horse transport service that is also transferring racehorses from place-to-place, bear that in mind.  Â
Strangles
Description: Strangles is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus equi. It primarily affects the lymph nodes in the horse’s throat.
Symptoms: Fever, nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty swallowing.
Treatment: Isolation of affected horses, antibiotics, and supportive care. Vaccination can help prevent outbreaks.
Pneumonia
Description: Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Symptoms: Fever, cough, nasal discharge, and labored breathing.
Treatment: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antifungal medications for fungal infections, and supportive care.
Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH)
Description: EIPH occurs when small blood vessels in the lungs rupture during intense exercise, leading to bleeding. Common in horses involved in high-speed disciplines like racing or polo.Â
Symptoms: Poor performance, coughing, and sometimes visible blood at the nostrils.
Treatment: Reducing the intensity of exercise, using medications like furosemide, and ensuring proper warm-up and cool-down routines.
Diagnosis of Respiratory Conditions
Diagnosing respiratory conditions in horses typically involves a combination of clinical examination, history taking, and diagnostic tests. Some common diagnostic methods include:
Auscultation: Listening to the horse’s lungs with a stethoscope to detect abnormal sounds.
Endoscopy: Using a flexible tube with a camera to visualize the airways and collect samples.
Radiography: Taking X-rays of the chest to identify abnormalities in the lungs.
Ultrasound: Using sound waves to create images of the lungs and pleural space.
Blood Tests: Checking for signs of infection or inflammation.
Tracheal Wash/Bronchoalveolar Lavage: Collecting samples from the lower airways to identify pathogens or inflammatory cells.
Prevention and Management
Preventing respiratory conditions in horses involves a combination of good management practices and veterinary care. Here are some tips:
Stable Management: Ensure good ventilation, reduce dust, and keep the stable clean and dry.
Feeding Practices: Soak/wet hay/chaff to reduce dust, feed from the ground to encourage natural drainage of the airways, and avoid moldy or dusty feed.
Vaccination: vaccinations are available for diseases like equine influenza and strangles.
Regular Exercise: Provide regular, moderate exercise to keep the respiratory system healthy.
Quarantine: Isolate new or sick horses to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor horses for signs of respiratory issues and seek veterinary care promptly if symptoms arise.
Comments