There are many causes of poor performance in horses and Dr. R.P. Franklin from Weatherford indicates in the publication of the Texas Equine Veterinary Association that one of these causes is rarely diagnosed correctly. He indicates inflammatory airway disease, or IAD, is more common than most realize; many horses have reactive lungs and they produce mucous in response to the reactivity as well as the small airways constrict and get even smaller. This decreases oxygen exchange and has a detrimental impact on performance. Unlike many equine respiratory conditions that are related to bacterial or viral causes, inflammatory airway disease is not infectious and antibiotics do not help in this condition. IAD usually occurs in young horses 2 to 7 years of age and is usually noticed when young horses are put in training or competing in performance events. There are several causes including allergic response to environmental antigens, previous infectious disease, or horses that bleed excessively in their airways when performing. In fact, some vets believe that bleeding in the airways and IAD are related conditions. These horses usually have a low grade cough but continue to eat and drink and act normally. Diagnosis of the condition requires taking samples from the lower airway with a tube and submitting them to the lab. If cells are indicative of IAD, treatment is aimed initially at the environment by soaking hay in water and placing the horses in an area with the best air quality possible. Also, the use of cortisone to reduce inflammation and bronchodilators to help the horses breathe better can really enhance the performance of these horses. Hear the audio of this program at the Texas Farm Bureau Network.
Date Published: 7/13/2009 11:09:00 AM
  
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