Recurrent Airway Obstruction
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Recurrent Airway Obstruction, also known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder or broken wind is a respiratory disease in horses.
The horse may cough in reaction to certain allergens such as dust and mould spores, which are present in hay and bedding such as straw. Breathing may become laboured and the respiratory rate may increase. The horse may cough, which can produce clear or yellow mucus.
A horse with RAO is usually treated by allowing as much fresh air as possible, by turning the horse out in preference of stabling it. Hay can be soaked or a dust-free alternative (such as haylage) used. Feeding from the ground is often thought to be more beneficial than in a haynet, as this allows any mucous to drain out of the lungs. Those horses that must continue to be stabled are normally bedded on paper, or a combination of rubber matting and paper. Straw and wood shavings contain dust and may irritate the condition further.
In some cases the horse may be prescribed an inhaler by the veterinary surgeon. Corticosteroids can be used to reduce the inflammation of the airways.
RAO often limits the horses' ability to work, and it may find strenuous activity difficult.
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