Companion Animals

Horse Respiratory Disease and Welfare

Equine asthma (formerly heaves or RAO) causes chronic respiratory distress in many horses, significantly reducing quality of life and performance capacity.

Key Facts

Equine asthma affects an estimated 14% of adult horses in the UK
Dust from hay, bedding, and poor stable ventilation are key triggers
Signs include coughing, nasal discharge, and increased respiratory effort
Bronchodilators and corticosteroids provide symptomatic relief
Environmental management is the most important long-term intervention

Welfare Considerations

Equine asthma causes chronic respiratory distress that significantly impairs quality of life and exercise capacity. Many horses suffer unnecessarily because management changes are not implemented alongside medication. Comprehensive environmental management is the cornerstone of welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Switch to haylage, soaked hay, or hay replacers to reduce dust exposure
Maximise stable ventilation and minimise dust from bedding and hay
Keep affected horses at pasture as much as possible
Work with your vet on an appropriate medical management plan
Monitor for seasonal variation in disease severity