COPD in Horses (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)


COPD, also known as summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOPD) and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) or Heaves has been a problem for many years.

Symptoms of COPD



horse COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Heaves


COPD is also known as “Heaves” or Recurrent Airway Obstruction is a common condition affecting horses, ponies and donkeys of most breeds. Those under six years of age are rarely affected ages.

It is on the extreme end of the respiratory allergy scale and is an allergic disease of the lung causing the small airways to constrict (get smaller in diameter) making it harder for the horse to breathe.  As a result a horse may have a respiration rate of up to 36 or 40 breaths a minute – well above the usual 6 to 12 so causing the horse to breathe faster or deeper than usual and it may cough.  Many cases are very mild, and the signs may only be noticeable when the horse is exercised, but some cases can be very severe, causing permanent damage to the lungs.

copd in horses

Causes of COPD


COPD in horses is caused by environmental problems such as dusty or mouldy hay, dust and moulds in bedding, or pollens, dust and other irritants in the environment. When airborne allergens get down into the airways, they irritate the cells and cause mucus secretion, which will trigger a snort or cough. However, if the horse is allergic to one or more of these particle types, inhaling them will also cause inflammation. Large numbers of white blood cells move into the area. Some of these cells secrete chemicals that cause swelling. Others produce antibodies to the allergen(s) which causes even more inflammation. Because of the mucus and inflammation, less air can get through. The smooth muscles in the walls of the lower airways constrict to prevent the allergens from passing further down into the lungs which reduce the amount of total air space in the airways and lungs. Wheezing and coughing occur, which then worsen the irritation and inflammation in the lungs, causing a vicious circle in which the body’s own defences ultimately cause the most harm.

Horses Suffering from COPD


The lesions in the lungs of horses suffering from COPD are bronchiolitis with emphysema occurring in small areas. One of the major aims is to increase and or maintain adequate periphery circulation ensuring optimum blood flow to the lungs. Z70 and Candlewick oil are fed to support the bronchial function with bronchodilatory, expectorant and mucolytic properties also contain levels of Eugenols which besides its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties helps increase the horse’s tolerance to physical and emotional stress.