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  Discussion on Asthma or what??
Author Message
Member:
Jolie

Posted on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 2:49 pm:

I have a neighbor who purchased a 20 year old AQHA gelding last summer. It is my understanding that he was gamed fairly hard throughout his life. A few weeks ago he began "heaving" quite badly when the pollen count was very high. He was taken to the vet and his lungs were x-rayed. The vet stated that he had "complete asthma in one lung and partial in the other. He was given a steroid which did not seem to help. Someone had mentioned an inhaler that could be used during flare-ups.

My questions are is this considered COPD and does anyone know of any medication to elevate his distress?

This old guy has a lot of heart and I would really appreciate any help on his behalf.

Thanks!
Jolie
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, May 28, 2003 - 7:11 pm:

Jolie, we cannot diagnose your friends horse from here and asthma is not a radiographic diagnosis, nor would it be stated as localized lesions. There obviously is some miscommunication. However if they believe it to be COPD the article associated with this forum gives clear recommendations for the cause and treatment.
DrO
Member:
Jolie

Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 9:11 am:

Alrighty then. This does tend to get a bit frustrating doesn't it. I have previously read the wonderful article on COPD. He seems to have some symptoms although the cough does not occur early during exercise but when he is short of breath under strenuous exercise (ie walking up steep hills with rider). The heaving happens when out eating in the pasture. I understand you can not diagnose without examining him but could you possibly share your "gut feeling"?

I would like to thank you DrO for this exceptional site. I have learned so much since joining and have realized how little I actually know about these animals I have loved for so long. Looking back I feel sorry for those who have had to put up with my ineptitude over the years.

Thanks again!
Jolie
Member:
Jolie

Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 5:24 pm:

Dr. O
I have re-read the article and have to admit I totally misunderstood the information the first time. Now however I am more confused than ever (which at this point I am sure you doubt is a possibility). Am I to understand that "heaves" is when coughing is present and then heaves turns into COPD when the difficutly in breathing begins or are heaves and COPD are one in the same. I apologize for being so ignorant. My confusion lies because this horse does not show signs of coughing and breathing hard simultaneously. The difficulty breathing happens while turned out and during prolonged exercise, the coughing occurs only during prolonged exercise. Thank you and again I apoligize being dim witted.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, May 31, 2003 - 11:21 am:

DOn't get hung up on the names: Heaves and COPD are the same thing in horses. As to whether coughing or labored breathing is the predominant sign depends on the indiviual case and how far along the horse is in the disease.
DrO
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