06/03/2025
Equine Asthma (Heaves): What You Need to Know
Heaves, currently known as equine asthma, is a chronic respiratory condition triggered by allergens like dust and mold. Symptoms include coughing, nasal discharge, labored breathing, and exercise intolerance. Without proper management, it can severely impact a horse’s quality of life.
The first step in managing heaves is a clear diagnosis. Broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) is recommended for the most accurate diagnosis, especially in mild cases. This is a procedure performed under short-acting sedation where a tube is passed up the nostril into the lungs, a small amount of fluid is introduced into the airway, and then collected for analysis. This documents the inflammation, mucus, and immune cells in the airways to confirm the diagnosis and severity of heaves. Determining the specific type of cells present helps to target treatment.
Managing Heaves:
✔ Environmental Changes – Reduce allergen exposure by soaking or steaming hay, using dust-free bedding, and maximizing turnout. Small square bales generally have less dust and mold than large round bales. If a round bale is necessary, use a small diameter hay net to limit the amount of direct exposure to dust and mold particles within the bale.
✔ Dietary Support – Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids & MSM can help reduce inflammation.
✔ Medications – Bronchodilators and corticosteroids (oral or inhaled) provide relief, but should be used judiciously. Long-term or frequent use of steroids, particularly corticosteroids, can have various side effects, including; a suppressed immune system, laminitis, weight gain, and muscle wasting.
✔ Therapies – Immunotherapy, acupuncture, and shockwave therapy may help improve respiratory health.
✔ Inhaled Medications – Devices like AeroHippus and Flexineb deliver targeted treatment directly to the lungs. For established clients, we have a Flexineb unit available at the clinic that we will rent out for treatments.
Early diagnosis and a customized treatment plan are key! If your horse shows signs of heaves, contact us to discuss the best options for their health and comfort.