Chronic Cough and Hyperpnea: Clinical Approach to Equine Asthma

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Respiratory Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Equine asthma is characterized by exercise intolerance, chronic cough, and hyperpnea.
• Diagnosis of severe equine asthma in horses is a multistep process.
• Phenotype determination is essential for guiding treatment recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the diagnostic and management strategies for equine asthma.
• To emphasize the importance of environmental control and therapeutic interventions.

Main Methods:

• Diagnosis involves a multistep approach, including phenotype determination.
• Management strategies focus on reducing or eliminating exposure to triggering agents.
• Treatment involves a combination of immunosuppressive therapies and bronchodilators.

Main Results:

• Rescue therapy with short-acting bronchodilators addresses hyperpnea.
• Controlling inflammation and airway remodeling is a key treatment goal.
• Environmental and management changes are critical for effective treatment.

Conclusions:

• Effective equine asthma management requires a comprehensive approach.
• Environmental modifications are as crucial as medical treatments.
• Immunosuppressive therapies are not effective alone and must be combined with other strategies.