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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice2003; 19(1); 63-vi; doi: 10.1016/s0749-0739(02)00067-6

Recurrent airway obstruction–heaves.

Abstract: Heaves, or recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), is a chronic respiratory disease featuring lower airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus accumulation. Inhaled organic dusts and T helper 2 type immunologic reactions are involved in the complex pathophysiology of RAO. Clinical signs vary and alternate with remission periods. The diagnosis is often based on history and clinical examination in severe cases, but bronchoalveolar lavage may be useful for the detection of early cases. The most important aspect of treatment is to avoid exposure to allergens. Corticosteroids may be administered systemically or by inhalation in combination with bronchodilators and environmental control.
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Publication Date: 2003-05-16 PubMed ID: 12747662DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(02)00067-6Google 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.

This study explores recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), also known as ‘heaves’. The authors delve into the disease’s cause linked to inhaled organic dusts and an immune reaction, its symptoms which are intermittent, and diagnosis which can be determined by case history or medical examination. They also discuss potential treatments including the avoidance of allergens and the use of corticosteroids with bronchodilators.

What is Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)?

  • Recurrent airway obstruction, also known as heaves, refers to a chronic respiratory disease typically associated with lower airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus accumulation.
  • Essentially, this condition is comparable to asthma in humans, likened to complications in the lungs that cause breathing difficulties.

Causes of RAO

  • The researchers highlight that the complex pathophysiology of RAO is linked to interactions between inhaled organic dusts and immune responses, notably T helper 2 type immunologic reactions.
  • In layman’s terms, this means the disease is brought about when a horse inhales certain types of dust, leading to an immune reaction in the body.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

  • Clinical signs of RAO can vary significantly and alternate with periods of remission, making the disease cyclical and unpredictable to some extent.
  • Diagnosis typically rests on a horse’s medical history and a clinical examination, particularly in severe cases where the symptoms are more noticeable.
  • However, for early detection of this condition, bronchoalveolar lavage (a medical procedure involving examination of the bronchi) may be useful.

Treatment for RAO

  • The most critical factor in treating RAO is avoiding exposure to the allergens that trigger the condition in the first place.
  • Medical treatment typically involves administration of corticosteroids, either systemically or through inhalation, in conjunction with bronchodilators.
  • The bronchodilators help relax the muscles around the bronchi, improving airflow and relieving symptoms of RAO. The corticosteroids, on the other hand, work by reducing inflammation.
  • As an additional therapy, control of the horse’s environment can be beneficial in managing the disease.

Cite This Article

APA
Léguillette R. (2003). Recurrent airway obstruction–heaves. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 19(1), 63-vi. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(02)00067-6

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 0749-0739
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 19
Issue: 1
Pages: 63-vi

Researcher Affiliations

Léguillette, Renaud
  • Meakins-Christie Laboratories, McGill University, 3626 St. Urbain Street, Montreal, Q H2X 2P2, Canada. renaud.leguillette@mail.mcgill.ca

MeSH Terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Airway Obstruction / diagnosis
  • Airway Obstruction / drug therapy
  • Airway Obstruction / pathology
  • Airway Obstruction / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage / veterinary
  • Chronic Disease
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / drug therapy
  • Horse Diseases / pathology
  • Horses
  • Mucus / metabolism
  • Prognosis
  • Recurrence
  • Respiratory Function Tests / veterinary
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / drug therapy
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / pathology
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / veterinary

Citations

This article has been cited 34 times.
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