The significance of respiratory diseases in horses

The significance of respiratory diseases in horses

Respiratory diseases in horses are very common and can be caused by various infections – both bacterial, viral or non-infectious elements such as environmental allergens in the environment.

Infectious respiritory diseases and their effects on horses

With regards to the infectious diseases, bacterial or viral infections may occur in horses of all ages but can be particularly dangerous for younger and elderly animals or horses under stress and subject to other complications. Sport horse ability can be seriously and even permanently impaired by damage caused from infections such as strangles (Streptococcus Equi) for instance. Other serious common infections include Herpesviruses and equine influenza, particularly common in large yards or younger horses.

Symptoms of non-infectious respiratory diseases in horses

Non-infectious respiratory disease can often show symptoms similar to the infectious diseases, so a vet’s diagnosis with first signs make crucial importance. Signs, apart from coughing, can also include nasal discharge and, or increased breathing rate. Inflammatory airway disease is a condition normally affecting younger horses.In older animals, RAO (recurrent Airway Obstruction) or Asthma can be more common. These are the two most common non-infectious equine respiratory conditions according to the Royal Veterinary College. Both of these diseases are allergic diseases with the lower respiratory tractreacting to allergens in the air, which include moulds and fungi. Very importantly, these allergenic materials can be significantly reduced by the use of proper hay steamers such as those manufactured by Haygain which are proven scientifically to reduce allergens on the forage. However, according to studies, soaking hay can have the opposite effect intended by causing more long-term toxins in the environment. The effects of coughing can also be reduced by feeding supplements such as Hestevard Respa Solution or Clean Wind. Nebulisers are also effective for treatment of respiratory conditions under veterinary guidance.

Treating respiratory diseases in horses

Monitoring with careful stable hygiene protocols, using disinfectants with proven efficacy against these microbes are essential. For example, Steri-7 which also has the added benefit of persistent activity in the presence of organic matter.

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