02 September 2008 09:37
I have a 22-year-old mare who has had an intermittent cough since the winter. For several years, she has suffered with a cough during winter but the vet has always been able to treat it. This time she hasn’t been able to shift it and it has become progressively worse into summer. She has been treated with Sputolosin, Ventipulmin and Biosolvin, to no effect. She has had a lung wash and a camera into her lungs, where there is thick mucus. Tests for viruses came back negative.
She is out as much as possible during summer, but flies really bother her. She is on rubber matting with large flake, non-dusty shavings – and her hay is soaked. Do you have any advice?
Answer
By Your Horse
Vet Malene Jørgensen says:
As your horse gets progressively worse over summer, it sounds like she could have SPAOPD (summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease). However, it could be a combination of SPAOPD and RAO (recurrent airway obstruction). As she is coughing most of the year now, it is likely that she belongs to the 10 per cent of horses who suffer from both conditions. When outdoors she inhales pollen and moulds, while indoors she is exposed to moulds and dust.
Both SPAOPD and RAO are chronic diseases, which means that there is rarely
a cure, and management of the problem is the best option. You have already created a dust-free environment, but you could also:
● Eliminate hay and use cubed diet, vacuum-packed hay or silage.
● She needs as much fresh air as possible. Because she has problems with flies, you could just put her out at night.
● Groom and muck out while your horse is outside.
● Try paper, wood shavings or peat moss with the rubber matting.
● Ensure adequate ventilation.