GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING HORSES WITH ASTHMA

In a recent study conducted in Portugal, veterinarians gave these environmental management guidelines to the owners of horses diagnosed as having severe equine asthma (SEA).

1. Ensure housing has good ventilation (at least two openings for air circulation)

2. Avoid stabling if possible, instead keep the horse on pasture 3. Turn out the horse for as long as possible, at least 12 hours a day

4. Move horses outside for grooming or when stalls are being cleaned

5. Use commercial dust-free bedding such as shavings, cardboard or low-dust options and avoid materials with potentially high dust content, such as sawdust or straw

6. Do not feed dry hay because of its high dust concentration. Feed cubed or pelleted feeds or completely immerse hay meals in water for 20 to 30 minutes before feeding it to the horse.