xpkEcho
Well-Known Member
Hi everyone!
I've been struggling incredibly with my pony lately. About a year ago she had severe issues with her (usually dormant) COPD. We moved yards to where she is out 24/7 and gets no straw or hay, but fresh air, grass, and haylage if necessary. Her symptoms completely went away for a year and now they're back with a vengeance. Coughing, trouble breathing, high respiratory rate. Had the vet out and treated her with anti-inflammatories and ventiplumin for a little over a week. She seemed better but still not great.
After a conversation with a yard-buddy, I considered it could be allergies as the timing of the symptoms went together with allergy season, and she's got sweet itch as well. Started treating her for pollen allergies and she improved dramatically. Barely any coughing now thank goodness. But... the respiratory rate is still high. Vet is stumped. As said, she is now out 24/7 but as temperatures here will rise up to 30 degrees and she doesn't cope well with heat, she will be in during the night this weekend. All sources of dust and irritants have been removed for over a year now.
So... My question to all COPD-/allergy-/respiratory-issue-pony-owners is, what do you do for your pony to make him/her feel more comfortable? Best supplements? Yes or no to (light) exercise? And also, very interested in your horse's resting respiration rate! Any tips (other than the obvious soaking hay, living out, etc) are absolutely welcome.
Love a poorly pony and a worried owner xxx
I've been struggling incredibly with my pony lately. About a year ago she had severe issues with her (usually dormant) COPD. We moved yards to where she is out 24/7 and gets no straw or hay, but fresh air, grass, and haylage if necessary. Her symptoms completely went away for a year and now they're back with a vengeance. Coughing, trouble breathing, high respiratory rate. Had the vet out and treated her with anti-inflammatories and ventiplumin for a little over a week. She seemed better but still not great.
After a conversation with a yard-buddy, I considered it could be allergies as the timing of the symptoms went together with allergy season, and she's got sweet itch as well. Started treating her for pollen allergies and she improved dramatically. Barely any coughing now thank goodness. But... the respiratory rate is still high. Vet is stumped. As said, she is now out 24/7 but as temperatures here will rise up to 30 degrees and she doesn't cope well with heat, she will be in during the night this weekend. All sources of dust and irritants have been removed for over a year now.
So... My question to all COPD-/allergy-/respiratory-issue-pony-owners is, what do you do for your pony to make him/her feel more comfortable? Best supplements? Yes or no to (light) exercise? And also, very interested in your horse's resting respiration rate! Any tips (other than the obvious soaking hay, living out, etc) are absolutely welcome.
Love a poorly pony and a worried owner xxx