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Equine veterinary journal2014; 46(3); 276-288; doi: 10.1111/evj.12204

Recurrent airway obstruction: a review.

Abstract: Recurrent airway obstruction is a widely recognised airway disorder, characterised by hypersensitivity-mediated neutrophilic airway inflammation and lower airway obstruction in a subpopulation of horses when exposed to suboptimal environments high in airborne organic dust. Over the past decade, numerous studies have further advanced our understanding of different aspects of the disease. These include clarification of the important inhaled airborne agents responsible for disease induction, improving our understanding of the underlying genetic basis of disease susceptibility and unveiling the fundamental immunological mechanisms leading to establishment of the classic disease phenotype. This review, as well as giving a clinical overview of recurrent airway obstruction, summarises much of the work in these areas that have culminated in a more thorough understanding of this debilitating disease.
© 2013 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2014-01-07 PubMed ID: 24164473DOI: 10.1111/evj.12204Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article is a review of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), a common airway disorder in horses. It provides insights into various aspects of the disease with a particular emphasis on disease induction, genetic susceptibility, and immune mechanisms.

Overview of Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)

  • RAO is a well-known airway disorder affecting horses. The disease manifests through an inflammation of the airways and their consequent obstruction, caused by heightened sensitivity to airborne organic dust prevalent in less-than-ideal living conditions for the animals.
  • This comprehensive review endeavours to highlight the insights gained over the past decade from numerous studies about this condition. The main areas of focus are the agents responsible for triggering the disease, the genetic factors that make some horses more susceptible to the condition, and the immune system processes that contribute to the disease’s progression.

Airborne Agents and RAO Induction

  • The paper explains the role that inhaled airborne agents play in RAO, emphasising that certain constituents of airborne organic dust can initiate the disease.
  • Overexposure to these harmful elements can trigger an immunological response in the susceptible horses, leading to the inflammation and obstruction of airways characteristic of RAO.

Genetic Susceptibility to RAO

  • This review delves into the genetic basis of susceptibility to the disease. The understanding is that not all horses are equally prone to RAO, an indicator of inherent genetic variance playing a role.
  • The researchers review studies exploring various genetic markers linked to heightened vulnerability to RAO, adding depth to our grasp of the disease’s genetic component.

Immunological Mechanisms in RAO

  • The article further reveals the relationship between RAO and the immune system. When exposed to the disease-causing agents, an immunological response is set off that results in the known symptoms of the disease.
  • According to the review, understanding these immune trigger systems and responses is key to comprehending the debilitating health impacts of RAO on afflicted horses. Such knowledge can guide the development of more effective treatment modalities and therapies for affected horses.

Understanding RAO for Better Management

  • This review amasses a significant body of research on RAO, aiming to deepen our understanding of the disease. Through studying the causative agents, genetic susceptibility, and immunological responses in the disease, it illuminates the complex mechanisms underpinning RAO.
  • The ultimate goal is to leverage this enriched understanding to better manage and even prevent RAO in horses, thereby improving their health and life quality.

Cite This Article

APA
Pirie RS. (2014). Recurrent airway obstruction: a review. Equine Vet J, 46(3), 276-288. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12204

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 46
Issue: 3
Pages: 276-288

Researcher Affiliations

Pirie, R S
  • Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Midlothian, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Horse Diseases / genetics
  • Horse Diseases / pathology
  • Horses
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / genetics
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / pathology
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / veterinary

Citations

This article has been cited 52 times.
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