Magicmillbrook
Well-Known Member
Sorry - this is a long one. I would really like some advice from any one who has a copd horse/vet experience or just some thoughts from a person detached from my horse.
My mare is about 24, she has had a mild COPD as long as we have owned her (11 years), in the past we have managed it and she has only had a few mild bouts that have cleared as soon as she is turned out-we keep her out as much as possible anyway due to arthritis.
This year she had a bout in March that didnt respond when she was turned out 24/7. She had 3 months on a (pink/burgundy) streroid inhaler and she improved to the extent that you couldnt see laboured breathing and could only hear a slight wheeze if you put your ear to her nostrils, but whenever the inhaler ran out or we had a hot sunny day she was panting and wheezing and very uncomfortable. She also hates hates hates having the inhaler.
She has since had a scope and lung wash. Some swelling and mucus noted but nothing sinister. Lab results showed infammatory response (allergy) and some infection, but vet thinks infection was probably secondary to the allergy. She was given a course of anti bios (baytrill sp?) and an oral steroid. After this vet thought we should scope again to see if there is an improvement, however there isnt much else in terms of medication other than medication to break up the mucus and ventapulmin(?). We are thinking the allergy may be pollen as she seems so much worse when there is a high pollen count.
With the anti b's and the oral steroid she has improved a bit more, breathing is easier and just a slight wheeze audible, with the recent hot weather or if she has been having a hoon the wheezing is more noticeable but not the distressing 'pant' that she was doing.
If it is a pollen allergy we could keep her in when pollen count is high BUT to the detriment of her dust allergy and arthritis. The oral steroids helped a lot but nearly £100 for the 10 day course. The inhalers are about £40 per month so doable, we just have the trauma (to all concerned!) of administering them. Also Is ther any point putting her through another scope?
This months vet bill is just over £500, last months £162 and the month before £416. Due to her age her insurance is accident only, and much as I love her there has to be a limit. Has anyone had any similar experiences or advice as to what to do.
My mare is about 24, she has had a mild COPD as long as we have owned her (11 years), in the past we have managed it and she has only had a few mild bouts that have cleared as soon as she is turned out-we keep her out as much as possible anyway due to arthritis.
This year she had a bout in March that didnt respond when she was turned out 24/7. She had 3 months on a (pink/burgundy) streroid inhaler and she improved to the extent that you couldnt see laboured breathing and could only hear a slight wheeze if you put your ear to her nostrils, but whenever the inhaler ran out or we had a hot sunny day she was panting and wheezing and very uncomfortable. She also hates hates hates having the inhaler.
She has since had a scope and lung wash. Some swelling and mucus noted but nothing sinister. Lab results showed infammatory response (allergy) and some infection, but vet thinks infection was probably secondary to the allergy. She was given a course of anti bios (baytrill sp?) and an oral steroid. After this vet thought we should scope again to see if there is an improvement, however there isnt much else in terms of medication other than medication to break up the mucus and ventapulmin(?). We are thinking the allergy may be pollen as she seems so much worse when there is a high pollen count.
With the anti b's and the oral steroid she has improved a bit more, breathing is easier and just a slight wheeze audible, with the recent hot weather or if she has been having a hoon the wheezing is more noticeable but not the distressing 'pant' that she was doing.
If it is a pollen allergy we could keep her in when pollen count is high BUT to the detriment of her dust allergy and arthritis. The oral steroids helped a lot but nearly £100 for the 10 day course. The inhalers are about £40 per month so doable, we just have the trauma (to all concerned!) of administering them. Also Is ther any point putting her through another scope?
This months vet bill is just over £500, last months £162 and the month before £416. Due to her age her insurance is accident only, and much as I love her there has to be a limit. Has anyone had any similar experiences or advice as to what to do.
