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Cold air-induced late-phase bronchoconstriction in horses
M S Davis1, C M Royer, E C McKenzie
1Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, USA.
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement
|April 4, 2007
Summary
Breathing cold air during exercise can negatively impact horses' respiratory function, causing airway obstruction that appears 48 hours later. This suggests cold weather exercise may contribute to lower airway disease in horses.
Area of Science:
- Equine respiratory physiology
- Exercise-induced airway disease
Background:
- The upper airways normally condition inhaled air, but this process can be overwhelmed during intense exercise or with cold air.
- Heat and water loss in the airways during exercise with cold air is a suspected trigger for bronchoconstriction and airway obstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of breathing cold air during submaximal exercise on respiratory mechanics in horses.
- To determine if cold air exposure during exercise exacerbates airway obstruction in horses.
Main Methods:
- Eight healthy horses underwent a 15-minute submaximal exercise test.
- Horses were exposed to either warm (25°C) or cold (-5°C) inspired air in a crossover design.
- Respiratory impedance, resistance, and reactance were measured at 5, 24, and 48 hours post-exercise.
Main Results:
- No immediate significant changes in respiratory parameters were observed 5 hours after exercise, regardless of air temperature.
- However, breathing cold air during exercise was associated with increased respiratory impedance and resistance at the 48-hour mark.
Conclusions:
- Submaximal exercise combined with breathing subfreezing air can negatively affect horses' respiratory mechanical properties.
- The development of abnormal respiratory mechanics in horses following cold air exercise occurs over a longer timeframe compared to other mammals.
- Exercise in cold weather is a potential contributing factor to lower airway disease in horses.
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