Page 697 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

Treatment

The treatment consists of changing the environment of the horse to remove it from the source
VetBooks.ir of the inhaled allergens. This is combined with the administration of bronchodilator and anti-

inflammatory drugs. Oxygen is used in an emergency if the horse has severe breathing
difficulties.

ENVIRONMENT

Some animals show an immediate improvement if they are moved to another location.
However, this is not always possible. Provided the horse does not also suffer from RAO, it
may improve if stabled in an environment that is as dust-free as possible (see Recurrent

Airway Obstruction).

BRONCHODILATORS
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Drugs such as clenbuterol (Ventipulmin ) sometimes help but often provide only temporary
relief.

CORTICOSTEROIDS
Corticosteroids are the most useful treatment as they reduce the inflammation in the airways.

They may be given intravenously in the emergency situation and then orally. As soon as the
respiratory distress is under control, inhaled corticosteroids are used instead if possible to

reduce the risk of side effects such as laminitis.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION

The addition of an omega-3 fatty acid supplement to the diet can improve respiratory

function and reduce inflammation.

Prognosis

The prognosis is guarded as the condition tends to recur in subsequent years and effective

management is often very difficult.

INFLAMMATORY AIRWAY DISEASE (IAD)

Inflammatory airway disease can occur in any age of horse but is most commonly seen in
young performance horses, particularly racehorses. The condition is also known as small