[Effects of housing, feeding and use on equine health with emphasis on respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases].

The research article investigates the impact of housing, feeding, and usage patterns on the health of horses, focusing on respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. The study found conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), teeth problems, and gastric ulcers prevalent in horses due to certain environmental factors and feeding habits.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• The research revealed that over half (54%) of the random horse population in Switzerland were suffering from a mild to severe form of COPD.
• COPD in horses is triggered by a hypersensitive reaction in the respiratory tract to spores of fungi and thermophil actinomyces. This means that the horse’s respiratory system overreacts to these spores, potentially causing breathing difficulties or other respiratory complications.

Dental Problems Related to Diet and Feeding Regime

• The researchers found a strong correlation between the type of diet and feeding regimen and dental issues in horses. These dental problems are among the most frequently treated equine diseases by large animal practitioners.
• While the specific dietary factors leading to these dental issues were not detailed in the abstract, it suggests that further research might illuminate the exact causal relationship.

Gastric Ulcers in Racehorses and Pleasure Horses

• The study revealed a striking disparity between racehorses and pleasure horses when it comes to the prevalence of gastric ulcers.
• Between 63 and 90% of racehorses were found to have gastric ulcers, compared to only 37% of pleasure horses. Moreover, the severity of these ulcers was significantly higher in racehorses than in pleasure horses.

Feeding Practices and Colic Development

• The research found that certain feeding practices could contribute to colic development in horses. These include providing substantial amounts of high-energy concentrated feeds, limited rations of forage, and low feeding frequencies per day.
• The use of spoiled food was also identified as a factor in colic development.