Effects of environmental control on pulmonary function of horses affected with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The research investigates the impact of environmental modifications on pulmonary function in horses suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and finds that certain changes can make a significant difference in the health of these affected horses.

Objective of the Research

• The study aimed at assessing the effects of environmental control on horses affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) via clinical examination and pulmonary function tests.

Method of the Research

• The study used several pulmonary function tests such as maximum change in intrathoracic pressure, tidal volume, minute volume, non-elastic work of breathing, dynamic compliance, inspiratory and expiratory flow rates and arterial blood gas analysis.
• A controlled environment was maintained in the study, where horses were bedded on shredded paper and were provided with a complete cubed diet.

Results of the Research

• The researchers observed that the controlled environment caused symptomatic COPD affected horses to become asymptomatic within four to 24 days (with an average of about 8 days).
• This implies that environmental control had a positive impact on the health of COPD affected horses, reducing their symptoms and improving their overall condition.
• Once asymptomatic, their pulmonary function values did not significantly differ from those of normal horses, indicating that the pathophysiological changes occurring in equine COPD are reversible.
• One other important finding was that the time taken for horses to become asymptomatic was directly correlated with age, duration of illness, and severity of disease as assessed by the non-elastic work of breathing.

Implication of the Research

• The results of the study suggest that an effective way to manage and possibly reverse the effects of COPD in horses is by making changes in their environment.
• The time taken for horses to become asymptomatic can be linked to various factors, and therefore, understanding these factors could contribute to enhancing treatment strategies for equine COPD.