Equine asthma? At Bed-Down, our horse bedding goes through our unique EASYBREATHE™ dust extraction process, to safeguard the respiratory health of your horse.
Equine asthma affects a horse’s lung function. You may be able to reduce the number of equine asthma attacks – and their severity – by making some changes to your horse’s stable environment, for example by changing the horse bedding you use.
If your horse has asthma symptoms, you must consult a vet, but below are some considerations.
Equine asthma is an general term that covers recurrent airway obstruction and inflammatory airway disease. Asthma triggers spasms, swelling and inflammation in the horse’s lungs and narrows the small airways. Increased mucus production also makes it difficult to breathe easily during an asthma flare-up.
Some horses have only mild equine asthma symptoms while others suffer severe symptoms that compromise their ability to breathe.
Equine asthma symptoms may include:
- Wheezing and coughing
- Nasal discharge
- Difficulty breathing (in some cases even at rest)
- Flared nostrils
- Low energy levels and a lack of stamina
Reducing exposure to airborne irritants and allergens can help mitigate the symptoms and effects of equine asthma. Choosing the right horse bedding for your equine friend will help, and there are also other steps you can take.
Equine asthma can be triggered by exposure to mould, fungi, dust, endotoxins or ammonia. Whilst horses with allergies are more likely to develop asthma, it isn’t only allergies that cause equine asthma. Any horse can display asthma symptoms following exposure to dust or other airborne irritants.
You can decrease irritants and allergens by:
- Removing old bedding daily and cleaning the stable thoroughly to reduce exposure to dust, mould and ammonia.
- Pasturing your horse. Keeping your horse outdoors helps reduce asthma flare-ups.
- Improving ventilation. Good airflow should reduce the build-up of airborne irritants.
- Considering some changes in your horse’s diet.
- Trying new horse bedding
For advice on a horse’s health issues, including equine asthma, always consult a vet. For advice on horse bedding, talk to Bed-Down. We use a unique multi-level dust extraction process – EASYBREATHE™ Dust Extraction. Easybreathe helps prevent your horse’s respiratory tract developing respiratory conditions which are caused by high dust levels.
Telephone 01986 785278 Email info@bed-down.co.uk.
