HORSE

The respiratory diseases of our Cavalli friends

Le respiratory diseases of the horse represent, after orthopedic pathologies, the most important cause decrease in sports performance and, if neglected, can have important repercussions on the normal functioning physiology of the respiratory system.

In this seems to play an important role stabling some animals. In fact, only 1-2% of horses in the wild are affected by respiratory diseases compared to about 60% of those in stables.

Etiology of respiratory diseases

With the arrival of the cold first it is good to pay close attention to a series of pathologies that can alter the functionality of the entire system. The sudden changes in temperature I often do not allow the horse to adapt its defenses to the climate and risk sending crisis his immune system. If it is true that we must avoid blows of air, it is also true that we must also pay attention to the environment in which they live. The microclimate of the pits is fundamental.

During the cold period, horses tend to be kept longer indoors and not always well ventilated, which can lead to an increase in the concentration of dust, spores and harmful gases produced by manure, causing inflammatory or allergic inflammation of the 'apparatus.

Among the causes of pathologies, alongside environmental factors, those cannot be excluded infectious.

The most common pathologies of infectious origin involving the respiratory system of the horse are: influenza, rhinopneumonitis, arteritis, pneumonia and / or bacterial pleuropneumonia (Streptococcus zooepidemicus, E.Coli, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Actinobacillus, Pasteurella, Mycoplasma, Clostridia) and mycotic .

Furthermore, in sport horses, long movements from one sports facility to another, continuous contact with new groups and intense athletic activity, can predispose the appearance of viral infections, which induce primary pathological manifestations and predispose to the onset of secondary bacterial infections.

It is therefore evident that even a single environmental, climatic or infectious factor can trigger a pathology which, even if apparently banal at the beginning, if neglected, can lead to the appearance of secondary bacterial infections by germs present in the environment and / or in the same airways as the horse.

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The most common symptom: cough

La cough it is just one of many symptoms of a respiratory problem. It is a natural phenomenon and often does not imply the presence of a disease.

It is, in fact, only a partially (and in some circumstances) voluntary act, which is stimulated by theirritation of nerve endings which are found in the larynx, trachea and bronchi.

Cough can be acute o recent and is therefore linked to infections and / or irritations of the upper respiratory tract (larynx, trachea) or of the lower ones (bronchi, bronchioles); the most common causes of acute cough include colds, acute laryngitis, acute tracheitis, acute bronchitis, allergies. Coughing can also be chronic, that is insurgent for a long time and resistant to treatments. In this case, it is unfortunately often accompanied by a generalized malaise. The most common causes of chronic cough can be chronic respiratory infections such as pneumonia outbreaks, chronic bronchitis, allergies and dilatations of the bronchi.

Cough is not the only symptom but is always accompanied by other more or less serious symptoms depending on the type of affection.

In the case of a simple cold, affection affecting the upper respiratory tract, you will notice, in addition to coughing, the presence of a more or less abundant nasal discharge (called mucus), nasal congestion, phlegm, sneezing and exhaustion.

In the case of viral forms there is a fever, cough, breakdown, abundant nasal discharge and more serious respiratory problems.

Le bacterial infections they often arise secondary to an untreated cold or to viral forms. In this case we will notice persistent fever, nasal discharge, wet and productive cough, killing and lack of appetite. It is good to pay close attention to bacterial infections as, if not treated promptly, they leave permanent damage in the lungs, trachea and upper respiratory tract.

Diagnostic methods for respiratory pathologies

The most common means of diagnosing a pulmonary and / or respiratory system disease is given primarily by auscultation by means of a phonendoscopy. Through this it is possible to establish the presence of abnormal noises and sounds of the lungs.

A good diagnostic aid is then represented by theendoscopy which allows to evaluate the respiratory tract from the inside, showing the possible presence of mucus or phlegm and also to allow a sampling of the same to carry out other specific laboratory tests to find the primary infectious cause and establish the right therapy.

The therapy to be addressed

Depending on the outcome of the clinical visit, therapy may include antibiotics for the infection, a mucolytic as an expectorant and, in the case of more severe inflammation, also the use of cortisone anti-inflammatory drugs. In cases of bolsaggine different bronchodilators can be used. An excellent aid in the management of pathologies is also represented by the use of the aerosol, aimed at dissolving the mucus and allowing faster elimination to avoid secondary infections and / or chronicization.

Veterinarian - Dr. ALESSANDRA PALOMBA

The natural advice of Union BIO

In the presence of respiratory system disorders UNION BIO recommends:

  • TIRE: complementary feed with balsamic, decongestant action, useful in case of phlegm, cough and irritation. It facilitates the passage of air in the congested airways.
  • PNEUMORESP: aerosol solution useful for decongesting the deeper airways favoring expectoration, avoiding the onset or worsening of secondary forms, even of a seasonal nature.
  • PNEUMOGUE: complementary feed that drains and fluidifies the intralveolar spaces, useful before intense and prolonged efforts. It has an important cardio protective and immunostimulating action.

Photo: David DeHetre

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