Respiratory Supplements - Any views or opinions?

[cyearsley]

HI, new neddy has slightly noisy breathing which was noted at vetting and with winter approaching and more time to be spent in stable, was thinking of trying him on a supplement for the next 6 months. His hay is already soaked but would prefer to keep him on straw as is included with my livery bill but thought a supplement may help. Ones I am considering are Respirator, the Equine America one - Coff less? or Ventilate (think that's what it's called). Answers and opinions on a postcard please!

 

[spaniel]

Do you know why he makes a noise...is he a roarer? It may be worth trying to find out before you spend money on something that may be unecessary.

I have used NAF DTox at the higher doseage rate on my old cob for a few years now and found that to be very good as a lung support supplement. You need to find something that has a high level of vitamin C in it as this appears to be what is lacking in the lung tissues of horses who have compromised lung function.

Have a chat to your vet first, he may be able to recommend some things for you to experiment with.

 

[cyearsley]

When my vet vetted him she just said was a bit mucus-sy (excuse spelling) and thought that though fine and not too major in summer, in winter when in, may worsten. With all the sunshine and fresh air has been fine but thought it may just give a helping hand if it gets a little worse as we had towards winter. Thanks for your advice, read somewhere else that someone had used De-Tox too so could be worth a go if I need it. Ta muchly

 

[TequilaMist]

I have used Zephyr from Global herbs with very good effect.Wasn't extortionately priced either.Vet said she knew of people who had used this and no longer needed to use ventipulmin.Coughing did appear to get worse for few days then pony managed his hay even without soaking.Also think ensure good quality hay/haylage.
Personally I would use shavings at least til I saw if problem settled.
Echo spaniel re vet checking out for other reasons.

 

[star]

my horse is on Winergy Ventilate and it's fab. stops him coughing and really improves his breathing.

 

[MagicMelon]

Resiprator is meant to be brilliant. Haven't tried it, but heard good things!

 

[Salcey]

NAF respirator is very popular as is the wendal easy breather

 

[Marilyn]

I hate to say this but the best thing that you could do would be to leave him out 24/7. If this is a possibilty, there are so many warm and snug rugs on the market that he will be kept warm and dry. I know it sound cruel, but i was interviewing a well known event rider and that's what he had to do with his horse...it's a consideration if nothing else...

 

[rforsyth1984]

NAF respirator is brilliant, but the best thing you could do (if you cant turn out 24/7) would be to change bedding - this would probably be cheaper than any of the decent supplements anyway.... I spend £30 a month on easibed, and £35 a month on respirator, but if I could only do one then the bedding is the best one in my opinion.

 

[kayleigh_and_rocky]

I've just bough horse wise chinese biscuits, a HUGELY good reputation and smell goooooorgeous, horses love them, can be fed either in feed or out of your hand, and everyone i have talked to have said they've worked wonders. I have to feed him 6a day for the first 10days then reduce to 4 after that. £30 for a months supply.

 

[cyearsley]

24 x 7 turnout isn't an option as he would get too stressed about being on his own, bless him, not very brave! Have thought may have to change onto different bedding if it becomes an issue but am hoping not to have to go that route as he is a complete minger in his stable and would cost me a fortune in hemcore or shavings or similar but will go that route if have to.
Fingers crossed it seems fine at the mo and is actually better than when he was vetted so maybe I'm worrying ahead about nothing. Thanks for all of your opinions, always better to get recommendations than waste a fortune on mythical cures. Ta muchly

 

[so03]

[ QUOTE ]
my horse is on Winergy Ventilate and it's fab. stops him coughing and really improves his breathing.

[/ QUOTE ]

Mine too. i used to use Zephyr but Ventilate is better. My boy has a pollen allergy and I use Global herbs Airways Plus in winter to maintain his breathing and Ventilate in the summer.

I'd nearly run out of Ventilate and being the time of year decided not to buy another tub and move onto airways plus. Well within three days of reducing the Ventilate he was wheezing like a goodun. So off I went to buy another tub of ventilate. Hopefully should be able to move to airways plus next month.

But just goes to show how good ventilate is.