ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] COPD in Distance Horses

[endurance] COPD in Distance Horses

Lucie A. Hess (lhess01@mail.coin.missouri.edu)
Sun, 23 Jun 1996 22:41:58 -0500 (CDT)

Does anyone have experience with mild cases of COPD (the Heaves) in
Distance Horses? My Part Arab has been having a bad bout with it this
last week and a half. Unknowingly, I took him to a ride last weekend
June 14 -16, and his P&R's were horrible, It was so hot and humid I
initially put it down to a lack of conditioning, but when I got him home
and the next day he was still breathing between 7 -8 resp. per 15 second
count. So, now he's back on 1 tablespoon of Trihist (antihistime) 2x per
day. If he doesn't resolve in the next few days, then I'll go to the
prednisone which I really hate to do.
I have alredy pulled him off the hay which I kick myself for not doing
earlier. I have a good pasture and can dry lot him at night from 9pm
until 6:30 am.
So what's my point? My question is is there any thing else I can do?
This is a seasonal thing, it gets worse in the spring and early summer. He
was diagnosed last year at Univ. of Mo. Vet School, Dr. Johnson, felt it
was a mild case.
What about forage at a ride? I know I should get away from hay,but I
worry about not feeding hay in the trailer or at the competition. Mind
you, I do only feed wet feed and wet hay and only hay on the ground.
It will be interesting to hear from those of you who have had experience
in this area and are more knowledgeable about this than I..
Also, Am I using the correct medication regimine?
Thanks for your help in advance,

Lucie Hess
Columbia, Missouri
Chief Black Arrow -retired Appy
Moonhill Dandi -current mount- 7/8 Arab