Horse Respiratory Disease: Heaves and Equine Asthma

Equine asthma is a common and often underdiagnosed respiratory condition causing significant welfare impacts. Environmental management and medical treatment improve quality of life for affected horses.

Key Facts

Equine asthma affects approximately 20% of horses and up to 80% of stabled horses
It ranges from mild inflammatory airway disease to severe heaves with marked breathing difficulty
Stable dust, mold spores, and hay forage are the primary environmental triggers
Management focuses on reducing airborne particulate exposure through bedding and forage changes
Bronchodilators and corticosteroids provide medical relief during episodes

Welfare Considerations

Equine asthma causes breathing difficulty ranging from subtle reduced performance to severe respiratory distress with visible abdominal effort during breathing. The chronic nature of the condition means horses may be experiencing ongoing discomfort during exercise and respiratory effort that significantly impacts their quality of life. Many horses with mild to moderate equine asthma are working below their potential while experiencing discomfort that is not recognized. Environmental management through dust-free bedding, soaked hay or haylage, and good stable ventilation addresses the root cause. Medical management with inhaled bronchodilators using specifically designed equine spacers provides rapid relief during episodes.

What You Can Do

Investigate any horse showing exercise intolerance, cough, or nasal discharge
Switch to dust-free bedding such as paper, hemp, or rubber matting
Feed haylage or thoroughly soaked hay to reduce mold spore inhalation
Ensure excellent stable ventilation even during cold weather
Work with your vet to use appropriate medical management for diagnosed cases
Allow affected horses as much turnout as possible to reduce stable dust exposure