Summer allergy/hayfever/COPD

[FelixPatches]

I have owned my 7 yr old welsh cob x for almost 3 years and every summer we go through spells where he coughs (not lots) and attempts to clear himself, during ridden work and at times becomes very lethargic. I never push him when this happens, just stop riding for spells. The first summer we thought it was a follow up reaction to an eye infection, the second summer a bug caught from away competing but I had a nagging worry it might be a mild version of summer CPOD or hayfever or similar. He must get steamed or soaked hay or else he coughs and even in the winter he will generally clear himself when going up to trot the first time in each session, so I am aware there is something going on with him. This year I started giving him NAF respirator in May and he seems a lot better, less lethargic, no coughing and not much clearing, tho he does snort a bit out hacking, not every time (but I can't really pin it to eg high pollen count/buttercups/hot weather, there doesn't seem a clear pattern that I can see, I did wonder about trying eg Piritin tablets). He is turned out in the day, in at night (I can't change that routine at my yard), fed Alfa A, garlic, sunflower oil, Top spec balancer and carrots, he is in regular work (RC level, not out to smash any records!), he is normally a cheery, cheeky chap. This year we are also working hard to keep him trim as this was a problem in previous summers and I wonder if that might be why he seems to have more energy this summer.
Any ideas on what might be wrong? Any tips on how to manage it? I can't be sure the Respirator is working, it is very expensive but equally I am now a bit wary of stopping it in case it is doing the trick. I don't really want to get him scoped etc, he isn't in distress, and my vet hasn't said he considers there is a need.
Thank you for any advice.

 

[Makemineacob]

I've been having very similar issues with my wee one, he started with a cough which has lessened but developed into a laboured breathing, snuffly and wheezy. He's just finally been diagnosed with asthma (he's just 6 and we've had him since 5 months old), we are just starting on ventapulmin in his feed and he's going to start a steroid inhaler asap (when they find one small enough for him as he's a mini). He's still completely himself and as funny and lively as ever despite his problems.

I've been doing some research this evening and noticed discussions about tests done on horses with similar issues and decreased lung function and talk about them showing a lack of vitamin C, one post said they had spoken to NAF and been recommended DTox. I would be very interested to hear (and apols for jumping onto your thread too!) of anyone with a horse with similar issues or confirmed asthma diagnosis to hear of your success with management. TIA

 

[cowgirl1969]

Hi, my horse Belle was diagnosed with summer RAO last year. We got in a right pickle as I couldn't ride her due to the breathing problems and coughing and then she got Laminitis despite being in a small turnout pen. She had Ventipulmin which was partially helpful but seem to make her even more anxious than usual and sweaty. She improved over winter and I've got her weight down, riding 3 times a week and I feel I'm waiting for it to get bad again. She has omega oil every day, it can reduce inflammation, flax oil is especially good and she has a homeopathic mixed pollen remedy. I understand keeping her as fit and trim as possible will help - easier said than done!