| What is COPD? | | | | Because COPD is an allergic reaction to dust, there is |
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is | | | | no "cure." However, it can be managed effectively, |
| similar to human Asthma. It is an allergic reaction to | | | | and if caught in time, you can prevent permanent lung |
| dust causing obstruction to the air passages in the | | | | damage. |
| lungs of horses. It generally affects horses ages six | | | | 1) Lessen the dust - The simplest way to treat COPD |
| and older, who are stabled, eat hay, and/or live in dusty | | | | is to lower the dust and allergens around your horse. |
| areas. | | | | Some horses with COPD go into clinical remission |
| Signs your horse may have COPD: | | | | when put out to pasture. If pasturing is not an option, |
| The first signs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary | | | | then change from feeding hay to feeding pellets or |
| Disease are often quite mild. Here are some signs to | | | | cubes. For extra measure, dampen the pellets or |
| look for: | | | | cubes. Bedding should also be changed from straw or |
| - Elevated resting respiratory rate | | | | sawdust, to low dust shavings. If possible, the horses in |
| - Taking a bit longer to recover after work | | | | the accompanying stalls should be put on the same |
| - Sluggishness | | | | feed and bedding. |
| - Quitting when they normally wouldn't | | | | 2) Use drug therapies - Corticosteroids, can be |
| More pronounced signs that your horse may have | | | | administered by injection, mouth, or inhalation. When |
| COPD are: | | | | administered by mouth or injection, therapy normally |
| - Heaving | | | | begins with a high dose and then is reduced to a |
| - Frequent coughing | | | | maintenance level. |
| - Work-induced cough | | | | 3) Use herbal anti-inflammatory remedies - There are |
| - Breathing problems | | | | also effective and affordable alternatives to drug |
| Diagnosis of COPD | | | | therapy for horses suffering from COPD. Herbal |
| If you notice any of these signs, especially if your | | | | remedies such as Breathe Ease (EquineGold.com) are |
| horse does not have a fever, he may have COPD. | | | | very effective in producing excellent results. In mild to |
| Your veterinarian can usually confirm this with a chest | | | | moderate cases, the combination of environmental |
| exam, but may also scope your horse to see | | | | change and herbal remedy is successful in reducing |
| presence of mucus and infection. Once it's confirmed | | | | inflammation to allow free flowing air and eliminate |
| that your horse has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary | | | | coughing fits. In more advanced cases of COPD, |
| Disease, it's time to take action. | | | | starting with drug therapy then moving to an herbal |
| Effective ways to remedy equine COPD | | | | remedy, can be a winning combination. |