Respiratory problems in horses have increased noticeably in recent years. Many riders, whether leisure riders or competitors, are confronted with coughing or sudden drops in performance as a result. However, horses with asthma often do not cough, which means the diagnosis is often not initially clear. Equine asthma is now seen as a civilisation disease in horses, since up to 90% of horses kept in stables suffer from mild or moderate equine asthma.
The following symptoms indicate a respiratory problem:
- Coughing – even a single episode of coughing or a coughing fit, for example when trotting at the start of work, should always be taken seriously. Unlike humans, horses start coughing relatively late, so it can be assumed that there is already a respiratory problem
- Nasal discharge
- Increased respiratory rate (8-16 breaths per minute is a normal resting respiratory rate)
- Increased respiratory effort, in the worst case abdominal breathing and shortness of breath
- Reduced performance and/or poor recovery
In addition to veterinary therapy, brine-oxygen inhalation from pferdeinhalation.de can work wonders for horses with asthma - no matter what form it takes - and massively accelerate recovery or, if used prophylactically, prevent it from getting that far in the first place.
Thanks to the special formulation of our Dead Sea salt brine with an exceptionally high proportion of magnesium, we can bring the bracing climate of the Dead Sea into your horse box via our room inhalation concept. Your horse can breathe in the dry, velvety and respirable brine mist in a relaxed atmosphere (without a mask, which often causes stress in horses) as well as through the skin, which is also a horse's largest respiratory organ. Our high-quality and completely hygienic ultrasonic nebuliser produces a particle size that is so tiny that it can penetrate into the alveoli, i.e. deep into the lowest area of the respiratory tract. As a result, our brine mist can dissolve even the most stubborn congestion.
It is also very important that our brine mist is a dry mist, meaning inhalation can also be carried out in winter without any problems, as your horse will not leave the inhalation box wet or damp.
The additional supply of oxygen, enriched with negative ions, known as “air-borne vitamins”, further optimises our sea climate. The high proportion of negative ions cleans the air of dust, bacteria and dirt particles. They support the self-cleaning mechanism of the lungs and have a positive effect on hormone metabolism and the immune system. They can also increase physical and mental performance and stimulate bone growth.
Our symbiosis of brine-oxygen ionisation in this unique quality and composition will feel like a ride on the beach for your horse with every inhalation - you’ll be able to see how much it enjoys it!
However, horses suffering from respiratory problems require much more comprehensive management than simply treating the disease directly. The following considerations should also be taken into account in order to prevent respiratory diseases or to stabilise them as quickly as possible:
HUSBANDRY
- Dust-free litter (ideally also in the surrounding boxes) to positively influence the stable climate
- No sweeping or mucking out while the horses are in the stable - it is essential to water the stable aisle beforehand to reduce dust
- Do not sweep any dust/straw residue from the stable aisle into the stables
- Clean the feeding places or hay boxes regularly (if possible daily) of hay dust – most horses love hay dust!
- More is more: as much grazing or paddock time as possible
- Behaviours adapted to individual needs with as much continuous fresh air as possible, e.g. open stable, paddock box - in this context, it is essential to look at how your horse is fed (from the floor, from the hay rack, etc.)
NOTE: In the rarer cases of summer pasture-associated equine asthma, however, predominant grazing is counterproductive and the symptoms can usually be improved by keeping horses indoors. Nevertheless, it is all the more important to ensure that the environment is as dust-free as possible.
FEEDING
- While eating, horses are most exposed to dust in their respiratory zone.
Avoid dusty roughage and concentrated feed (grain can also produce dust or be mouldy)
- Make sure the feed is good quality
- Ensure adequate supply of minerals
- Steam the hay for the best reduction in dust and mycotoxins, alternatively water it (it is essential to ensure hygiene - this can quickly lead to mould or can activate fermentation)
- Do not use hay nets: Horses breathe in up to 4x more dust due to the positioning - it is better to feed from the ground!
- Don't let horses eat directly from the round bale - exposure to dust is much higher here too
- Studies have shown that adding omega 3 fatty acids can have a positive effect on inflammatory cells in the lungs.
EXERCISE
- Regular (daily) exercise or training, if possible
- Galloping, in particular, promotes expectoration, since the horse takes one breath per gallop stride and both lungs are thus evenly stressed
- Avoid dusty riding arenas
- If possible, do not exercise in the heat of the day
- Pay attention to breathing rate during exercise - take regular breaks
- Riding in the forest or along rivers/lakes is preferable to dusty paths or locations
All of these measures are not only extremely helpful in acute cases, but also provide excellent prophylaxis to keep the horse healthy and efficient in the long term.
With sea-fresh greetings,
your experts at pferdeinhalation.de
SimplySign