Broken Winded??

[reb1825]

I bought my horse a little over a year ago having been told he was broken winded, which usually refers to COPD but has been used as an umbrella term for horses with breathing difficulties. The thing is, I'm pretty sure it's not COPD - he doesn't have any nasal discharge, and he only rasps and coughs for a short while when warming up. It isn't a dust or pollen allergy - I've switched to dust extracted bedding and tried using a nose net.
Any ideas about what it could be and if it's treatable at all? He only has a short wheezing/coughing fit but it's very unpleasant for him, anything that could make it better would be wonderful

 

[chestnut cob]

What does your vet say?

 

[AdorableAlice]

I bought my horse a little over a year ago having been told he was broken winded, which usually refers to COPD but has been used as an umbrella term for horses with breathing difficulties. The thing is, I'm pretty sure it's not COPD - he doesn't have any nasal discharge, and he only rasps and coughs for a short while when warming up. It isn't a dust or pollen allergy - I've switched to dust extracted bedding and tried using a nose net.
Any ideas about what it could be and if it's treatable at all? He only has a short wheezing/coughing fit but it's very unpleasant for him, anything that could make it better would be wonderful

An equine vet.

 

[reb1825]

I've never asked, his past owners said he was seen and it's untreatable so I never thought to ask until I did a bit of research after a particularly bad fit. It always stops after minute or two of work and therefore has never got in the way very much