Horses should have access to fresh air at all times
Often called a dust cough this is the commonest respiratory disease affecting horses in Europe today. As many as 50 % of all horses over 8 years of age have some degree of 'dust cough' In most cases this can be controlled by changes, thus avoiding the need for medication or drugs.
Why do horses get dust coughs?
COPD is caused by an allergy to fungal spores that are present in ALL conserved grass such as hay or horsehage. Straw is also a major source of spores. The degree to which hay/horsehage is contaminated with fungal spores depends on the weather at the time the grass was cut and the subsequent storage and age of the product. Wild horses would never be exposed to the fungal spores found in conserved grasses and straw and their lungs are particularly sensitive to these allergens. When breathed in the spores cause a hypersensitivity reaction in the lower airways which results in the production of increased mucus that blocks the small tubules in the lungs. In addition the airways may go into a spasm further restricting the free flow of air.
What are the signs of COPD?
The initial sign will often be a slight decrease in performance of the horse – getting tired after work or taking longer than normal to recover. A harsh dry cough is often present first thing in the morning in the case of stabled horses. In more severe cases there may be a thick nasal discharge. The disease progresses slowly over time and eventually the horse may become 'broken winded' – lose weight and get out of breath even when resting. Occasionally horses with dust allergies suffer a severe sudden onset attack, and may appear quite distressed, finding it extremely difficult to breath – this requires veterinary treatment.
How to avoid getting COPD and decrease its affects.
MANAGEMENT
- As much turnout as possible
- Ventilation in stable
a) throughput of air should be sufficient to give 8-10 complete air changes in one hour
- spiders should not be able to weave webs if ventilation sufficient.
- move patient to stable opening directly on to yard.
- creation of back window to allow throughput of air.
- Soaking of hay
- accurate to say no hay made in UK climate is suitable to feed to horses
unsoaked
- soak for minimum of 30 minutes (totally submerged)
- haylage a good alternative but still may need soaking
- remember hay being fed in field must also be soaked
- Bedding in stable
- shavings claim to be 'dust free' but are often anything but! Grab a handful and throw up in the air to demonstrate
Good suggestions
Orbiose
Easybed
Paper
Peat/Fibre mix - (Chase Terrace Pet shop - 01543 686991)
Creature Comfort (Keith Riggall The 'A' man 07885081810
N.B. Remember shared airspace between stables- if communicating, must also address management of other stables
Vets use a variety of drugs to help horses with COPD but it is vital to get the management right and not depend on medication if at all possible. Ventipulmin opens out the airways and helps affected horses breath more easily. Steroid inhalers can also be very useful.
