Chronic bronchitis and alveolar emphysema in the horse.

The research focuses on broken wind, a condition in horses characterized by chronic bronchitis and alveolar emphysema, exploring its symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention methods. The study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for a favorable prognosis.

Disease Overview

• Broken wind is a health condition that affects horses, primarily characterized by two ailments – chronic bronchitis and alveolar emphysema.
• The clinical symptoms of this condition manifest as nasal catarrh (inflammation of the mucous membrane), frequent coughing, difficulty in breathing (dyspnea), and poor exercise tolerance.
• In more severe cases, especially in racehorses, lung hemorrhages may occur, which can result in epistaxis (nose bleeding).

Causes of the Disease

• The study suggests that broken wind is a disease of domestication, meaning it’s more likely to occur in domesticated horses than in wild ones.
• The main cause is believed to be polluted stable air infused with fungal spores, which originate from hay and straw used in the stables.

Treatment and Prevention

• The core preventive measures and treatment techniques for broken wind revolve around maintaining the quality of stable air.
• Providing fresh air is vital. If horses need to be housed in stables, then a dust-free stable management regime must be maintained to lower the risk of the condition.
• An early diagnosis of the disease greatly improves the chances of effectively managing and treating the condition.

Significance of the Research

• The study underscores the motto of the Royal Veterinary College, ‘Venienti occurrite morbo’, which translates to ‘treat the disease at its first appearance’. The idea is to intervene early on in disease progression for the most effective management and cure.
• This principle has particular relevance in the context of broken wind in horses. Given the impact on the animal’s quality of life and performance (especially in racing horses), early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.