OWNERS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN EQUINE ASTHMA MANAGEMENT

Researchers from Portugal have identified a troubling weakness in efforts to manage horses with asthma: The failure of owners to follow the recommendations made by veterinarians to reduce exposure to environmental irritants that worsen the condition.

In a study conducted at the University of Lisbon, researchers focused on 39 mature horses diagnosed with severe equine asthma (SEA)―a respiratory condition previously known as recurrent airway obstruction or “heaves”―at the veterinary clinic. Characterized by airway inflammation, coughing and labored breathing, SEA is triggered by environmental factors, such