## Overview Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an older term for what is now called severe equine asthma (previously also known as recurrent airway obstruction or heaves). It is a chronic inflammatory airway disease triggered by environmental dust and molds, producing coughing, increased respiratory effort, and exercise intolerance. ## Causes Hypersensitivity to organic dust, molds, and endotoxin in hay and bedding. A summer-pasture form also exists in some regions. ## Diagnosis History of cough and labored breathing in a dusty environment, endoscopy showing excess mucus, and bronchoalveolar lavage cytology demonstrating neutrophilic inflammation. ## Treatment Environmental management (low-dust feed and bedding, improved ventilation) is the cornerstone. Corticosteroids and bronchodilators control flare-ups. ## Recovery and Prognosis The condition is manageable but not curable. Horses kept in clean air often remain comfortable and useful; continued exposure leads to progressive decline. ## Prevention Lifelong attention to air quality in the stable.
chronic cough; increased respiratory effort; nasal discharge; exercise intolerance; worsened signs in dusty environments
## Overview Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an older term for what is now called severe equine asthma (previously also known as recurrent airway obstruction or heaves). It is a chronic inflammatory airway disease triggered by environmental dust and molds, producing coughing, increased respiratory effort, and exercise intolerance. ## Causes Hypersensitivity to organic dust, molds, and endotoxin in hay and bedding. A summer-pasture form also exists in some regions. ## Diagnosis History of cough and labored breathing in a dusty environment, endoscopy showing excess mucus, and bronchoalveolar lavage cytology demonstrating neutrophilic inflammation. ## Treatment Environmental management (low-dust feed and bedding, improved ventilation) is the cornerstone. Corticosteroids and bronchodilators control flare-ups. ## Recovery and Prognosis The condition is manageable but not curable. Horses kept in clean air often remain comfortable and useful; continued exposure leads to progressive decline. ## Prevention Lifelong attention to air quality in the stable.
chronic cough; increased respiratory effort; nasal discharge; exercise intolerance; worsened signs in dusty environments