Equine asthma ranges from mild to severe and affects a significant proportion of horses. Environmental management and medical treatment maintain welfare and performance.
Horses with severe equine asthma experience significant respiratory distress including heave lines from chronic overuse of abdominal muscles and laboured breathing at rest. The condition is chronic and welfare depends on lifelong environmental management. Bedding change from straw to shavings or rubber mats, housing with maximum ventilation and dietary change to soaked hay or haylage substantially reduce allergen exposure. Medical management with inhaled fluticasone via equine inhaler mask provides effective anti-inflammatory treatment with minimal systemic side effects. Regular monitoring of respiratory rate and character guides treatment adjustments.