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  Discussion on Possible Cushings Horse Respiratory Issues during the summer
Author Message
New Member:
katef

Posted on Thursday, Feb 26, 2009 - 8:49 am:

Hi,

My 25 yr old QH mare Dark Journey tested negative for Cushings 3 yrs ago but seems to be showing signs of the disease (shaggy coat, occasional hoof abscesses, crested neckline). I've made diet changes which have helped (last abscess was about 2.5 yrs ago), she is currently on the Purina L/S feed (previously Triple Crown Low Starch) and I monitor her hay. I've read about the Evitex to help with shedding but have not tried it yet---have just been clipping her as often as needed. DJ stopped shedding fully about 3 years ago and last year I had to clip her 3 times during the summer as the hair kept growing. However even when clipped she has had trouble breathing during the severe heat and humidity. We are in south Louisiana so it is hot/humid for a very long time. During the winter she has no respiratory problems at all. I have done the hosing off during the summer to cool her and it helps a bit but she really has a rough time. My vet had given me dexamethasone to give her shots last year but it didn't seem to help much. She also has experienced anhiDrOsis when it has been very hot. Not much sweating at all, just a bit on her head and inside her legs while my other two horses are normally completely wet. I was wondering if the respiration issue might be helped with something I saw called the Equinehaler. Any info would be appreciated.

thanks

Kate
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Feb 26, 2009 - 9:36 am:

Welcome katef,
The answer to your question depends largely on why your horse breathes hard. If the increase is respiratory rate is ONLY related to the heat, no respiratory therapy will not help and you will have to find ways to keep the horse cooler in the summer.

If the respiratory problem is ONLY due to Summer Pasture Associated Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and it is a problem in your area, then anti-allergic medications will help.

From your brief history you should consider that your horse has SPAOPD that is complicated by the hot humid summers and anhiDrOsis. The impaired breathing further impairs cooling. For more on diagnosis and treatment including dexamethasone and respirators see Diseases of Horses » Respiratory System » Heaves & Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
DrO
New Member:
katef

Posted on Thursday, Feb 26, 2009 - 9:46 am:

Hi DrO

Sure appreciate your response. I do need to have her checked out more thoroughly. She did have an allergic reaction to some goldenrod a number of years ago. Had been out riding and rode through a field of goldenrod (fluff stage) at a walk and she was panting when I got her home. I've stayed away from stuff like that since then.

Will go check the articles you suggested and read up. She has been doing fine lately but the temps are rising already down here and things are beginning to bloom. I'm hoping to be able to help her better before things get bad. She's in good shape for her age aside from this, good attitude, playful and a little feisty at times.

thanks very much

Kate
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