rare chest condition

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sarahbro

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Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone has any experience of the problem my mare has just been diagnosed with.
she is a 24 year old and up until 9 months ago fit and well and being regularily ridden. she developed heave line and increased respiratory rate over the space of a few weeks and was initially treated for summer pasture allergy then possible copd but no treatments helped. as a result of this and after a non conclusive scope she had a chest xray which shows the likely diagnosis to be some sort of infiltrative inflammatory chest condition. Her airways are swollen and thickened. the only way we would get a definate diagnosis is by biopsy but there is a risk of her bleeding to death so given her age maybe not!! have decided to retire her as she is still happy and we and the vet feel her quality of life is still very good. just wondered if anyone has had a similar problem?
 
hi have you had bloods taken? she might have long term infection, which will provide a reason for the increase respiration rate and heave line. this could be detected through a blood examine also would give an indication of an allergy response. talk to your vet
 
Hi, thanks for your replies, yes she has had bloods and aspirates taken and all clear. We were really hoping you suggestion would be the case but the xrays were looked at by a top cardiothoracic vet who is quite confident that this is not infection but an inflammatory condition which causes thickening of the bronchioles/airways. Other than extremely high dose steroids no other treatment is possible and the dose of steroids would come with so many risks (and massive costs) as it would have to be long term not just for a few weeks. We have had to make the decision to retire her and keep her happy at home until such times as life isn't fun anymore. Despite her big heave line she is still happy and doesn't seem bothered by it when at rest.
 
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