Asthma update

[palo1]

I did find with my cob that weight control and fitness played a key part. Up to last summer he was ridden daily, weather permitting, and wore a grazing muzzle 24/7. Out of interest, what age is your horse? Breathing issues with my lad didn't start until 17y.o. and appeared to start after a new horse was introduced into the herd and created havoc until his owners sold him on. Every summer has seen a gradual improvement, but I still can't have him near hay or hay based products.

My mare is just 6; symptoms first noticed last year at age 5 but then the whole herd had 'something' which resulted in them all coughing and having raised resp rates. Vet thinks it was something environmental as we couldn't find infection or viral markers but Alw was affected more than the others. (age range 5-15 yrs!).

 

[Highmileagecob]

It is a frustrating experience, as so many things can trigger an attack, which then leaves the respiratory system vulnerable to any potential trigger. I think stress was the causal trigger in my cob's case, but even now he will have problems at heavy pollen time, hay in any shape or form, and stress. He has always tested clear for Cushings, but after a bout of wheezing and coughing I tried chasteberry and it appeared to reduce the severity. We are approaching the mowing season now, pasture and lawns, and I expect another low level attack any time.

 

[palo1]

I clipped my mare today to help with the expected hot weather. I am amazed that she is not huffing and puffing as it is peak mowing grass season here as well as being really warm. I think that without the additional load on her system that linseed and sugar beet were providing she is coping so much better. Yesterday we had a hilly 5 mile hack in the heat of the afternoon; I was fully prepared to turn back but I also wanted to get OH's gelding out (he is rehabbing) being led so we set off gently. Alw was fine and although it was scheduled as a very gentle hack (for the rehabber) she was quite lively. I almost can't get my head round the difference but I am also anticipating that something might trigger a flare up. I guess if you keep picking away at things it is possible to reduce the allergy triggers if there is more than one.