Low-Dust Forages Essential for Asthmatic Horses

December 17, 2020

Dr. Couetil attaches an equine nebulizer to a horse — Dr. Laurent Couëtil uses an equine nebulizer to administer treatment for asthma. (Purdue University photo/Rebecca Wilcox)

Researchers recently revealed that feeding Thoroughbred racehorses in training and racing certain alternatives to dry hay resulted in 30% fewer respirable dust particles in horses’ breathing zones and decreased airway inflammation.

Laurent L. Couëtil, DVM, PhD, professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine and director of Equine Research Programs and Equine Sports Medicine Center at Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Indiana, presented data showing the benefits of avoiding dry hay in horses with mild airway inflammation, also known as equine asthma (EA), during the 2020 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention, which is being held virtually.

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