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5 Responses
2 asthmatic horses, both upper level dressage. All steamed hay, as much turnout as possible (16-22 hours), open windows year round when they are in stalls, cardboard bedding for one, a respiratory supplement for one who will eat it (Aleira) and fish oil & MSM for both, inhalers (Aservo ciclesonide Equihaler) when necessary, periodic BAL and scoping.
This generally keeps it under control, but it is a frustrating and constantly worrisome condition, especially in a boarding barn situation when you don’t have complete control over your horses environment and management and can’t always make all the changes the vets demand/recommend.
I have a 5-year-old mare, she is asthma, she is on two inhalers, a nebulizer, breathing oral and herbal supplements as well. She is a competitive horse, I can’t stress warm-ups and cooldowns. Limit riding in colder weather it will shock the lungs and in extremely cold weather, I find it best to stall on those days. Hay needs to be mould free, preferably on the ground level, hay net/slow feeder is the best it can be! I also soak hay cubes to aid in a fibre intake and easier for eating fewer dust particles from the hay. I recommend nasal breathing strips and Vicks for the bare minimum. I swear by Breath by Herbs for Horses with garlic. Longer conditioning periods start training and getting into shape with slower intensity and more consistent will help. Breezing once condition will help the lungs and they build up their wind!
My mare is outside more than in, hay is steamed every feeding, when necessary, she receives treatments using an equine nebulizer (Flexineb) with saline and colloidal silver She is maintained well using the above protocols.
Wetting all his hay is very effective and stops the ‘warm up cough’ he gets if dry hay is used. He’s also at pasture 24/7, so he doesn’t live in a dusty environment.
I am incredibly fortunate that soaking her hay (fed in net) and being careful re dust in barn and in stall (she’s pastured days, stalled nights) is enough to keep her breathing well. No drugs needed (yet of course)! Yes vet checks her lung sounds every 6 months and so far my girl (23 yr old ottb) is good!