When we think of equine respiratory issues, we normally think about dusty stables during winter, when our horses inevitably have to spend more time indoors than we would want. But what about during summer?
The Respiratory System
The respiratory system is not only vital for survival, but also for performance output and general quality of life. It functions to deliver oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide, and is comprised of two sections: the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The upper respiratory tract includes the head and throat, whilst the lower is made up of the trachea and lungs.
When oxygen is inhaled it is exchanged for carbon dioxide (which is exhaled) by the alveoli in the lungs. Oxygen then travels in the bloodstream and is distributed around the body to support normal function and respiration. When the respiratory system is compromised, there is a knock-on effect on the rest of the body - causing pain, decreased performance, and immunocompromise. As horses can only breathe through their nose, they are more likely to incur respiratory difficulties. We, as humans, regularly cough or clear our throats, but horses do not normally cough in the way that we do – any coughing could be a sign of respiratory distress. It is therefore important to be conscious of how seasonal changes could affect the respiratory system, and have mitigation strategies at the ready to keep our horses healthy.
Seasonal Changes
Both summer and winter can be testing times for respiratory health, but it is not often that we consider the former when the majority of issues seem to occur when our horses are stabled. Generally, the long periods of decreased ventilation, and increased dust exposure result in respiratory irritations. Of course – they are many ways to manage this such as using dust free bedding, soaking hay, and increasing turnout time if possible. Summer however, brings different challenges…
Bless You!
Hayfever is so annoying isn’t it? Unfortunately, our horses can experience similar reactions to pollen. Winter is inevitably a difficult time if you have or work with horses, but spring and summer aren’t without their challenges. Pollen allergies can be common during spring and summer, with horses suffering from dry coughs and recurrent airway obstructions. Research has also found that these allergies can cause pruritic skin diseases, resulting from environmental allergens such as grass, weeds and tree pollen. Climatic factors can influence the severity of these symptoms, with warmer and wetter weather resulting in increased risk. This is due to mold spores thriving in humidity, as well as higher aeroallergen concentrations resulting from the warm weather, irritating the respiratory system.
Environmental Heat Impacts
Clinical signs of airway irritation can be exacerbated in hot conditions or during a heatwave. When the temperature increases, thermotolerant fungi known to induce airway stress thrive. These are normally respirable particles, meaning that they have a small diameter and are able to reach the most remote parts of the airways. One study found that higher barn temperatures increased transpulmonary pressure and resistance, suggesting that providing a cool environment during heatwaves could be beneficial for respiratory health. Just when we think we have escaped dusty stables!
So, you may be thinking: if my horse can be irritated in winter and summer, and pollen and heat, what do I do?
Management Techniques
There are plenty of ways that you can make your horse’s life easier during the summer months, where coughs may seem rife.
Extreme heat can be difficult for our horses for a multitude of reasons, so providing them with a cool, sheltered environment can not only help them with temperature regulation, but also provide them some respite from the pollen and spores that may cause irritation. A well-ventilated barn or field shelter with dust free bedding can help reduce symptoms. Keeping them in during the hottest part of the day, and turning out again overnight once it is cooler, is generally the best way to manage this.
As well as keeping your horse in during the hottest days, being aware of when there is a high pollen count, or particular plants that your horse may be sensitive to, is very important. For example, if your horse is sensitive to rapeseed, then try to keep them in a field away from it, or keep them in when it is first flowering. Using a nose net or fly mask can also be beneficial for your horse, as it can reduce the amount of respirable particles that they breath in.
Feeding soaked or steamed hay can also improve symptoms, as the dust and allergens are removed. As well as this, ground feeding can be helpful. Horses naturally graze with their heads down, allowing mucus to drain and remove irritants. So, if you horse is in, you might want to ditch the nets and allow them to eat naturally.
For horses with extreme symptoms, or little improvement, veterinary treatment by way of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or anti-histamines may be necessary. Supplements can also be beneficial, such as those containing ingredients that research has found to be effective. Products high in anti-oxidants such as vitamin C and E can be beneficial, as these vitamins can be depleted when the horse is under respiratory stress. RespirAid DHA contains a form of vitamin C called ascorbyl monophosphate, which is highly bioavailable and therefore easier for the horse to absorb, than the more commonly used form called ascorbic acid. Ingredients such as MSM are beneficial due to their cell repairing and anti-inflammatory properties. Our long term respiratory supplement, RespirAid DHA contains a comprehensive list of effective active ingredients, such as the aforementioned, as well as omega 3 DHA, which has been found to be highly useful for organs such as the lungs. We also offer RespirAid Express, which is targeted for fast and effective support. It contains higher levels of key anti-oxidants to reduce the impact of free radicals and aid respiratory health.
Take Away
Managing summer-related airway conditions can be difficult, particularly for horses who cope better when turned out, or those who need frequent exercise. Being mindful of the effect that pollen and heat can have on the respiratory tract is essential, and finding the best management techniques to suit you and your horse can make all the difference.
For more information on RespirAid DHA and RespirAid Express, click here, or get in touch to speak to a member of our team.
References
Bullone, M., Murcia, R. Y., & Lavoie, J-P. (2016). Environmental heat and airborne pollen concentration are associated with increased asthma severity in horses. Equine Veterinary Journal, 48(4), 479–484. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12559
Costa, L. R. R., Johnson, J. R., Baur, M. E., & Beadle, R. E. (2006). Temporal clinical exacerbation of summer pasture-associated recurrent airway obstruction and relationship with climate and aeroallergens in horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 67(9), 1635–1642. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.67.9.1635
Jensen-Jarolim, E., Einhorn, L., Herrmann, I., Thalhammer, J. G., & Panakova, L. (2015). Pollen Allergies in Humans and their Dogs, Cats and Horses: Differences and Similarities. Clinical and Translational Allergy, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13601-015-0059-6
Simões, J., Sales Luís, J. P., & Tilley, P. (2020). Owner Compliance to an Environmental Management Protocol for Severe Equine Asthma Syndrome. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 87, 102937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102937
Ward, M. P., & Couetil, L. L. (2005). Climatic and aeroallergen risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research, 66(5), 818–824. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.818