steroid injections for copd

[whiteclover]

Has anyone used these for their horses copd? Whats the laminitis risk with them? My horses breathing has got worse over the weekend and hes being a pig with the inhalers. Im at my wits end with this all.

 

[McNally]

Not the injection no but used powder steroids for breathing problems with brilliant results. No Lami problems and she was a little fatty! It was last resort though and i figured she'd be pts anyway at that point so it was worth a try- It worked.
Depending on the problem though just beware steroids although great usually only work for so long

 

[Rose Folly]

I've been told there is a steriod/laminitis link anyway, so perhaps be canny.

Persevere with the inhaler - it has worked wonders for my girl - but she is very good about it, which makes a difference! The great advantage is that the relief is immediate.

 

[Cluny]

Yes, a few years ago now my Welsh Cob was on loan to the RDA and was diagnosed with COPD, she was treated with Ventipulmin, but in the end she came back to us as she wasn't up to the work. Within a week or so she had horrendous laminitis (she'd never had it before) and our vet linked it to the Ventipulmin. I personally would try and find another treatment if possible.

 

[Lil Ferg]

Has anyone used these for their horses copd? Whats the laminitis risk with them? My horses breathing has got worse over the weekend and hes being a pig with the inhalers. Im at my wits end with this all.

Yes, my boy had the injection some years ago when he first developed his pollen allergy. I did worry about Lami but as he had had a major asthma attack there was little choice. He was fine and it gave him instant relief. He then went on to prednisolone powder and ventipulmin which managed the problem for a while.

Six years down the line after trying inhalers which by the sound of it my boy was just like yours, he would hold his breath and then toss his head around it just did not work for him (I bought an Aeromask so that he could not avoid breathing in the inhalers that's when he decided he would rather hold his breath) so it was back to the steriod powder etc for a couple of summers. I then trying Indian herbs which worked for one season and then stopped working. I tried Homeopathy which gave him some relief but not as much as he needed.

He is now on Herbs from a company called Equinatural and he hasn't started coughing, wheezing or struggling to breath and I'm hoping he stays well on these. Am actually amazed after everything I have tried. He also has a sheet on to keep some of the sun off him and the most important thing a face mask.

Good luck, I know how distressing this problem is both for the horse and you.