E305
Heaves or Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Clinical Signs: At first, the horse has a dry cough and may have nasal discharge. The horse can have difficulty breathing, often taking a "double breath." There may be some slight bleeding from the nose and abnormal lung sounds. See B890 for additional help. A "heave line" and weight loss may also be noticed in advanced cases. One important thing to keep in mind is that the horse with this condition does not have a fever.

Disease Transmission: COPD is not a contagious disease and there is no evidence of it being hereditary. This problem is, however, found most commonly in horses that are stabled during winter months and fed hay diets. Dusty environments complicate, and then perpetuate the problem.

Diagnosis: This problem can be identified, based on history and often the horse’s response to basic treatment. Endoscopy and radiographs (X-rays), in association with negative findings on a tracheal wash and blood work, help lead to a diagnosis.

1. Feed moistened hay or pelleted feeds. Soaking the hay in a bucket of water for 15-20 minutes prior to feeding helps to reduce the dust. Never feed moldy or dusty hay to horses.
2. Give a corticosteroid such as dexamethasone to reduce the inflammation. 
3. Administer a bronchodilator such as Ventipulmin.

1. Give .5 mL per 100 lbs. for three days. See page G906 for more suggestions.

4. Use a nebulizer or humidifier to reduce mucous production and aid in its removal.

Prevention: Good management practices are essential in preventing this disease. Some suggestions include the following:

1. Prevent horses that are kept in dusty areas from eating off the ground.
2. Keep a problem horse on pasture.
3. Give daily supplementation of a bronchodilator such as Ventipulmin.
4. Water down the hay before feeding.
5. Reduce viral infections by making sure the horse is current on vaccinations. See page A905 for vaccination suggestions.