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  Discussion on Management of Heaves
Author Message
Member:
Choney

Posted on Saturday, Jan 29, 2005 - 4:15 pm:

Hi,

Once again hoping my horse and I might reap the benefits of all the amazing knowledge out there!

When a horse appears to be in "mild" distress; meaning minimal accessory muscle use or retractions, looks bright eyed, is eating and drinking well at the time, is it advisable to "get a jump" on the heaves and treat with meds, or is it ever ok to just monitor? Will a flare-up of heaves generally always progress from mild to moderate to severe?

I guess I'm looking for the benefit-to-risk ratio for possibly "overtreating".

Thank you

Cher
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Jan 30, 2005 - 10:19 am:

Whether symptoms will worsen depends on whether there is continued exposure to the allergin. Anytime symptoms are worsening treatment should focus on finding the source of the allergin and removing it. There is no risk to this therapy and it is the only thing truly effective in the long run.

Benefit / risk analysis results will differ in each individual case. Effective medical therapy will lessen the acute reversible symptoms and may even decrease chronic irreversible changes, for more on this see, Equine Diseases » Respiratory System » Heaves & Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. To learn more on the risks of particular medications you will find them in the medication sections.
DrO
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