Answer

By Your Horse

Vet Malene Jørgensen says:

It sounds like she has Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), stemming from an allergic or irritant reaction. The signs are poor performance, chronic coughing and laboured breathing. RAO can’t be cured but there are a few ways you can help her.
Every day methods
● Turn her out as much as possible.
● Change her bedding to paper, shavings, peat moss or rubber mats.
● Ensure adequate ventilation and ideally don’t share air space with stables using straw or hay
● Replace hay with vacuum-packed hay.
Conventional treatment
● Broncho-dilators are drugs that open her lower airways so the air moves easier. They can be added to feed or administered into veins.
● Corticosteroids suppress the allergic response and, therefore, her symptoms. These can be given in inhalers, or as tablets or powder.
Complementary ways
● Some homeopathic remedies can help with the chronic state but also work as first-aid if she has an acute flare-up. Note that, if this happens, she needs immediate veterinary help. Remedies are selected depending on the symptom and you should be referred to a qualified veterinary homeopath –see www.trusthomeopathy.org
● GlobalHerbs has a long tradition in herbs for horses (www.globalherbs.co.uk). Product suggestions include Airway Plus, Zephyr and Weez. Always tell your vet if you plan to give your horse anything other than they’ve prescribed.