Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Symptoms

Chronic Coughing, heaving, breathlessness, wheezing, appearance of a heave line (Also called 'tucked up', when there is a line which runs along the lower edge of the abdomen where the muscles are misshapen and overdeveloped due to exerting air from the lungs more than usual), reduced performance.

Cause

Usually causing by inhalation of mould spores from mouldy hay causing an allergic response, or by an infection.

Treatment

The damage from the spores or infection are permanent, although drugs can be given to improve air passage, clear mucus or to prevent the allergic reaction. Special care needs to be given to the horse to improve his condition, including feeding good quality forage, wetting hay to clear dust, and using good quality dust free bedding, and ensuring his environment is kept as clean and dust free as possible.