Almost all of us are familiar with asthma in humans. But chronic respiratory diseases are also becoming increasingly common among our horses. Over the past few years, various terms have been established to describe a similar complex of diseases. In English-speaking countries, the umbrella term "chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" (COPD) was used for a long time, as it was assumed that the changes affected not only the bronchi but the entire lungs. In German, the term "chronische obstruktive Bronchitis" (COB) was mostly used. Although these terms are still often used today, in veterinary medicine for horses, a distinction is now only made between "RAO: Recurrent Airway Obstruction" and "IAO: Inflammatory Airway Disease." The central component of all terms is always the obstruction or narrowing of the small bronchi, which leads to breathing difficulties and coughing. The precursor to these chronic diseases is usually acute bronchitis.
The causes of chronic coughing in horses are very diverse and their significance has not yet been clearly established. Initial triggers can be acute infections of the respiratory tract with viruses, bacteria, or even lungworms. The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract swells and increased amounts of mucus are produced, which can no longer be transported away properly. Breathing becomes difficult due to the narrowing of the small airways and the horse tries to cough up the excess mucus. Other causes include environmental allergens that come into contact with the horse's lungs. These include mold, pollen, mites, and hay or straw dust. Animals whose airways are already weakened by infection are particularly susceptible. Harmful gases, such as poor stable air with excessive ammonia concentrations, can also act as physical irritants and lead to impaired lung function. Another factor can be a lack of exercise, as the lungs' cleansing function is not sufficiently activated when the horse is not exercised enough.
Two factors cause the small airways to narrow. The stimuli described above lead to increased production of bronchial mucus. At the same time, the ability of the cilia (tiny hairs that move the mucus) to transport the increasingly thick mucus decreases. Secondly, the airways become hypersensitive to certain stimuli, leading to a spastic overreaction of the small bronchi. Without veterinary treatment, irreversible damage to the lung tissue can occur, making normal lung function impossible. The increased formation of connective tissue between the alveoli causes the lungs to permanently lose their elasticity, a condition known as pulmonary fibrosis. The term "asthma," which is now incorrectly used to describe any respiratory disease, strictly speaking only describes the final stage of RAO, which is characterized by pulmonary emphysema, overinflation, and destruction of the alveoli.
In the initial stage, only a slight cough is sometimes noticeable, which in some cases only occurs at the beginning of exertion. In some cases, the horses also have nasal discharge, which is initially watery but can later become whitish-yellowish. Affected horses show reduced stamina and tire more quickly. Even at rest, a significantly increased respiratory rate with sometimes audible breathing sounds is noticeable. In advanced cases, shortness of breath and fever may occur.
The affected horses have visible difficulty breathing, and their respiratory muscles have to work much harder than those of a healthy horse. If the abdominal muscles are also actively used to assist exhalation, an indentation between the rib cage and the abdominal muscles becomes visible. This so-called "steam channel" is familiar to most horse owners and indicates a serious respiratory problem. The high energy expenditure involved in breathing therefore also leads to weight loss in the horse if the condition persists. So don't waste any time if your horse is coughing. Contact a veterinarian right at the onset of the illness to determine the cause.
A good preliminary report is essential for the veterinarian to make an accurate diagnosis. This means that you must provide them with detailed information about when and how the horse coughs, how it is kept, and whether there have been any changes in its living and feeding conditions. During the examination, the veterinarian will listen to the horse's lungs and may also tap them. If the symptoms are not very clear at first, it may be necessary to listen to the horse again after exercise or respiratory stimulation. Further examination methods may be used to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays, blood gas analysis, or endoscopy of the respiratory tract can sometimes even be performed in the stable. Samples taken during these procedures are then examined in the laboratory.
Even though RAO is generally considered incurable, the first step, in addition to medication, is to review the horse's posture and feeding regime and adapt them to the condition. It should be noted that even if the symptoms subside, the hypersensitivity of the bronchial tubes remains and will accompany the horse throughout its life.
The focus should always be on optimizing the air quality for the horse in question, as a significant improvement in symptoms can be observed simply by reducing all dust-producing factors. For box stabling, low-dust bedding should be chosen and only wet hay or haylage (pressed, lactic acid-fermented hay, packed in airtight containers) should be fed. Window boxes, paddock boxes, or, ideally, year-round open stables/exercise stables with optimal fresh air supply are preferable for horses with RAO.
Another essential aspect in the treatment of horses with chronic coughing is continuous exercise, as this is the only way to remove stuck mucus from the bronchi and lungs. Free movement is at least as helpful as targeted lunging, riding, or walking. Always ensure that the exercise program is moderate, as your horse is still ill and should not overexert itself.
Medication aims to relieve bronchial spasms and liquefy the thick mucus so that it can be transported out of the bronchi. Mucolytics and antispasmodic and bronchodilator preparations are the preferred treatments for this. Inhaling certain medications can help to liquefy the thick bronchial mucus. Your veterinary practice will draw up a detailed treatment plan for your individual case and can send you the medications for your horse digitally via petsXL, so that you can find all upcoming medication doses in your timeline and set reminders for yourself.
Although all these measures and treatments cannot cure the disease, they can keep it well under control. Maintaining optimal conditions remains the top priority. Only then can your horse breathe deeply again and enjoy its life to the fullest together with you.
Summer eczema is a recurring allergic skin disease in horses that manifests itself in severe itching and hairless, open patches of skin. The disease can occur in horses of all breeds, although Icelandic horses, Norwegian horses, Shetland ponies, and Haflingers are significantly more commonly affected, while warmbloods tend to be affected less frequently.
Corneal ulcer, also known as corneal ulceration, is one of the most common eye diseases in horses. It is not a growth, but rather a tissue defect that does not heal chronically and can vary in severity. The treatment of a corneal ulcer can be very frustrating, and untreated or incorrectly treated corneal ulcers can lead to serious visual impairment or even loss of the eye.
Dummkoller, formerly known as star gazer disease, is an incurable brain disease characteristic of horses, which fortunately is rarely seen today. Until 2002, this disease, which severely impairs consciousness, was one of the main defects that allowed a horse to be returned within 14 days of purchase.
Bitless riding simply means riding without a bit in the horse's mouth. There are many different reasons and just as many ways to ride a horse without a bit. Of course, there are always disadvantages as well as advantages. Think about which bitless bridle suits you, your horse, and your riding style in advance. And finally, practice makes perfect.
Sebadenitis is a progressive inflammatory change in the sebaceous glands of the skin in dogs and cats, which ultimately leads to their irreversible destruction. The disease was first described in dogs in 1986.
The most common types of horse husbandry are classic stabling, free-range stabling (active stables), paddock trails, seasonal grazing, and open stabling. One thing should be clear to every horse owner. Horses want to run. In the steppe, they sometimes spend up to 16 hours a day searching for food and water. They graze as they roam across the land. Now, our horses have been bred and domesticated for our time together with them; they are no longer steppe ponies. We feed them and care for them. Nevertheless, horses need exercise. We should definitely keep this in mind when choosing how to keep our horses. This also means that keeping horses exclusively in stalls without a sufficiently large paddock for free movement is not species-appropriate. In addition, contact with other horses must always be ensured, as horses are herd animals.
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Urolithiasis, colloquially referred to as urinary stone disease, refers to the formation and deposition of various concretions in the urinary tract of horses. Although this disease occurs sporadically in horses, it can lead to serious symptoms and significant impairments. The deposits can occur in the form of crystals, grit, sand, or stones and are most commonly found (approx. 60%) in the urinary bladder. Geldings are more severely affected than stallions or mares.
What do these five letters stand for? This abbreviation comes from English and literally means "feline lower urinary tract disease." It describes all diseases of the urinary tract in cats that cause difficulty and pain when urinating. As a rule, almost exclusively indoor cats are affected; outdoor cats almost never develop this condition. Male cats are also more susceptible than female cats.
It's really special when your own dog has puppies – and for us as dog owners, it's probably just as exciting as it is for the animal itself. It's important that you, as the companion of the expectant dog mom, always remain calm – and have the emergency number of your vet handy.
There are many reasons why a mare that has previously been a riding horse might be turned into a broodmare. There are a few factors to consider on the way to your first foal.
The dog, which is descended from the wolf, has teeth that are designed for hunting, killing, and tearing food apart. However, the search for food has changed for our four-legged friends: today, we open a can or even cook for our beloved furry friends. Breeding different breeds has also changed the length of dogs' noses and the spacing between their teeth. Unfortunately, all of this can lead to dental problems.
