COPD & inhalers horse not liking them

[whiteclover]

Ive been using inhalers for a week now twice a day, towards the end of last week he started throwing his head up usually when Im about to squirt the inhaler. What can I do to get him to accept them?

 

[whiteclover]

Also are there different sizes with the aeromask? Ive seen one for sale 2nd hand but it might be too small for my horse.

 

[mga4ever]

I had exactly the same problem with my pony....he was supposed to be on inhalers for 8 weeks but after 2 weeks he turned into a nightmare! as a result now my normally easy to do pony has turned into a head shy monster.

I gave up on the inhalers........as a result his behaviour has started to return to normal.

 

[pixie]

AeroMask sizing

Please measure around the horse’s muzzle as shown to determine which size AeroMask is suitable

Small – 12″ (30cm) – 17″ (43cm)

Medium – 17″ (43cm) – 20″ (51cm)

Large – 20″ (51cm) – 26″ (66cm)

 

[Gorgeous George]

Before I started using the inhaler on George I spent quite a lot of time getting him used to it, getting him to sniff it, touch it with his nose and so and each time he did the 'right thing' he got a little bit of a polo. Carried on until he would let me hold the inhaler over his nose, take it away, put it back and so on and I didn't try and puff the inhaler at all.

The first time I gave him a proper puff I puffed the inhaler into the spacer device and then held it against his nose (not the best way, but did't want to frighten him), we then worked up to holding it up to his nose and puffing as he took an in breath and when he had finished his 10 puffs he got a polo and a big pat. Now when I get the inhaler out he is practically putting his nose against it and he still gets his polo and pat at the end

George generally is a very obliging chap, so I was probably lucky, but maybe it's worth going back to the beginning with yours and seeing if that helps?

 

[whiteclover]

Gorgeousgeorge - Thanks I will try those tips out. Vet said he only needs them once a day now but hes still got laboured breathing. He doesnt like the noise it makes when I press the inhaler down.

 

[magichorse]

I was lucky as my horse is very easy-going and just seemed to accept the inhaler. He does get a ginger biscuit as soon as it is taken off and when we first started using it I gave him a small bit of mint as I put it over his nose which seemed to work as a distraction.

Can I ask, do people buy the inhalers direct from their vet? Mine is currently an insurance claim but in August I start paying for them. At £66 for 4 (2 blue, 2 brown) the cost will soon mount up! Does anyone get them from anywhere else? Thanks!

 

[toystory]

Hi as GG has said introduce horse slowly to the inhaler & give a small treat after, my horse always accepts his now. As for looking elsewhere to buy i got mine online from Chemist Direct but you do need a prescription from the vet.Also try your local chemist mine matched the online price for me

 

[magichorse]

Thank you toystory!

 

[whiteclover]

I did some work with him tonight and he was good (apart from trying to mug me for treats) but the bit where I have to put my other hand on his other nostril needs more work on.

Also the vet said to do some work with him. I walked him for 10 mins tonight in the field and his breathing seemed quicker. Is this normal for COPD? Bearing in mind he is totally unfit.