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  Discussion on COPD for the future
Author Message
New Member:
Gauser

Posted on Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 - 11:55 am:

This article and the discussions have been the most helpful that I have found so far. I feel so bad that I did not recognize the signs of heaves last year in our now 22 yr old gelding, we have owned 3 yrs. My experience/knowledge is at the price of his health but of course there is no other way to gain experience. Pasture has always been 24/7. hay thrown out in winter, we live in GA. This year developed bad cough with thick white nasal discharge, heavy breathing effort, loss of weight. vet gave him dexamethasone shot;an antibiotic; and prescribed ventipulim. Also, he had mild laminitis 3-4 months prior, first time ever. When he showed no more cough, but still labored breathing, (still has snotty nose too) I called the vet to see what else we could do and asked about corticosteroids. But our vet is reluctant to prescribe due to possible founder. Before this happened, this horse was often mistaken for a "young" horse, he was in great shape, NO problems at all, except for the slight labored breathing that I noticed last year but blew off thinking it was his age . He was ridden 3 times per week by my daughter etc. Vet says our option is to move him to colder climate, which he knows is not really an option. He has not suggested anything else. Either he thinks my horse is best euthanized and just wont tell me that, or....what? From my reading of the article and links, am I right in thinking dexamethasone might help? I can no longer afford Ventipulim! Is dexamethasone as expensive? thank you.
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Sunday, Oct 10, 2004 - 10:37 pm:

Georgia,

I had an older polo horse who showed some coughing and labored breathing one winter (and we DID live in a colder climate . . . Vermont) and the vet gave me some dex to squirt directly onto his grain . . . He cleared up wonderfully . . . and had no trouble after a couple of doses.

Dr. O., is that an option in Georgia's case?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Oct 11, 2004 - 7:04 am:

The problem here is the snotty nose: this is not consistant with COPD and may suggest an upper respiratory infection. Ofcourse this could be on top of the COPD but Georgia has your vet diagnosed COPD and if so where is the snotty nose coming from? Since pasture is available have you removed hay from the diet? Dex is inexpensive.
DrO
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