Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also known as ‘heaves’ and ‘broken wind’.
COPD in horses is usually caused by hypersensitivity to mould spores found in the horses’ environment or other allergens. The spores penetrate the defences of the upper airways and reach the small airways in the lungs.
Symptoms of COPD in horses
The signs of COPD are variable depending on the severity of the disease. Clinical symptoms in more severe cases include;
- chronic cough
- dyspnoea - shortness of breath
- tachypnoea – abnormally rapid breathing or respiration
- exercise intolerance
- increased respiratory effort
- wheezing on auscultation
- nasal discharge
- low blood gas oxygen
- heave line – over developed abdomen muscles
Can Equissage help relieve COPD in horses?
Yes it definitely can.
Although using Equissage cannot prevent or actually cure an allergy, it can certainly help to reduce the effects of COPD on the horse and its respiratory tract.
In the symptomatic horse the mucus needs clearing as quickly as possible to help reduce coughing (and further lung damage) and the airways need opening up. Veterinary treatments usually involve the use of bronchodilators (such as clenbuterol) to sooth and relax muscles as well as opening the airways. Equissage is proven to relax muscles so is the ideal tool to help the horse over its immediate allergic reaction. The improvement in circulation that Equissage promotes and the increase in bodily temperature helps to thin the mucus so it can be more readily eliminated.
For more information please call 0800 072 1180, email us at info@equissage.co.uk or request a FREE TRIAL
Application
Equissage should be used on a daily basis as part of the management routine for COPD on horses. Additional use of the Hand Unit will optimise the benefits particularly for horses where the spasms have been more severe. Normally the Hand Unit is best kept in situ but in this case it needs to be worked along the whole of the underside of the neck from chest to jowl. Do not hold it directly on the windpipe, but just to the side and do not hold it on the jaw bone.
The Pad can be on a No.5/No.6 setting although the Hand Unit should be lower as the vibratory effect may cause discomfort or alarm to more sensitive horses. If the horse is happy, then turn it up.
Use of the Hand Unit is best prior to exercise if possible.
Point to Note: A horse will always remain sensitive so the moment it is exposed to the offending allergens, it will have a reaction.
