Equine asthma is similar to human asthma based on several factors that have now been associated with this lung disorder in horses. It has had several names in the past including heaves, COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and others.  In the past allergens have been blamed for triggering the airways to constrict which in turn makes it almost impossible to exhale. Horses can no longer breathe effectively. This can be at worst deadly but usually limits the horse's ability to function at any sport or effort. But could there be another cause? Could this be associated with chronic inflammation? TheHorsesAdvocate.com - Helping Horses Thrive In A Human World Geoff Tucker, DVM (Doc T) explains what is known based on a recent webinar he attended on Equine Asthma.