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VET notes

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• The commonest winter conditions

• How they affect horses

• Ways to prevent and treat them

MEET THE EXPERT

LEONA BRAMALL

MVB CertAVP(EM) MRCVS, an equine vet at Oakhill Veterinary Centre in Lancashire, holds an advanced veterinary practitioner certificate in equine medicine. Her primary areas of interest lie in foal medicine, dermatology and gastrointestinal disease. Visit oakhill-vets.com/equine.

Asthma/RAO/COPD

Winter is often when I see more cases of equine asthma. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; also known as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) and equine asthma), occurs when inhaled allergens initiate a cycle of airway constriction and airway inflammation. Two forms commonly occur - summer asthma secondary to pollen, and the more renowned form triggered by dust. The latter occurs throughout the year, but is prevalent in winter when horses spend more time stabled.

Affected horses present with