Dust allergy = COPD ?

[niagaraduval]

Since owning my horse I am aware that he has a dust allergy. I soak his hay, he is on dust freebedding, has a stable made for him to allow the most fresh air possible and has numerous breathing supplements etc.

For the first time in around 5 years he had really bad heaves last winter. I'm pretty sure this is down to some straw (which didn't seem that dusty..) that was put down in the next stable (which opens out onto his).

I am asking this question because he hasn't formally been diagnosed with COPD but I am thinking, could this be just a simple dust allergy ? Whenever he is in a dust free environnement he has no issues at all, whereas surely if it was COPD then pollen etc. would be bad too ? Especially when he is out in the summer or out in his field he has no signs at all of any respiratory problems and can work just as any other horse.

Is there such thing as a dust allergy in horses or is it heaves or COPD ?

 

[niagaraduval]

Bump !

 

[be positive]

My understanding is that horses can differ in what causes the reaction,, for some it is exposure to dust, others to pollen some are more tricky to find the trigger while others are extremely sensitive to many allergens.
I have one that can be stabled on straw but eating dry or even soaked hay causes problems, he gets haylage and is fine with no problems at all in summer.
Your horse is probably sensitive to dust spores in a closed environment so putting straw in the next box is enough to set off his allergy, by keeping him in a clean dust free stable and out as much as possible you may be able to manage him so he remains healthy, knowing the triggers and avoiding them is best for his health.