Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in horses in Louisiana.

This study analyzes the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in horses in Louisiana. Data was collected via a mail survey sent to veterinarians with questions related to horse COPD, and the responses were analyzed to better understand different aspects of the disease from symptoms to treatment.

Methodology of the study

• A total of 240 veterinarians were contacted via mail to participate in this study. These veterinarians were either listed as mixed-animal or equine practitioners in the 1991/1992 directory of the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association or had submitted a horse specimen to the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory within the preceding 2 years.
• The survey was made up of 47 questions designed to gather comprehensive data about horses diagnosed with COPD. Information gathered included the age, breed, sex, vaccination history, and respiratory disease history of the horses, their levels of activity and conditions of living, and the type and condition of their feed.
• The study also sought data about the clinical signs of COPD in horses and any concurrent health conditions, as well as information about the treatment regimens prescribed by the survey respondents.
• Analysis of the data from the returned surveys was carried out using a microcomputer program specially designed for epidemiologic data.

Findings

• Of the 83 veterinarians who agreed to participate in the study, 31 returned a total of 71 completed questionnaires about horses affected by COPD.
• Most horses affected by COPD were mature, mainly kept in pastures, and showed clinical signs primarily during the summer months.
• The most consistent clinical symptoms of COPD in the surveyed horses were dry coughing, slight serous nasal discharge, labored expiratory effort, and flaring of the nostrils.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that Summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease appears to be triggered by factors different from those traditionally associated with COPD in horses. As such, approaches to managing this disease may also need to vary accordingly.