Equine respiratory disease

Fun fact about horses’ anatomy and respiratory system:

Did you know that whilst most other mammals, such as cats and dogs, have 13 pairs of ribs, horses usually have 18?

This means that their chest is longer, allowing it to accommodate a large set of lungs that have a capacity of around 55 litres, which is nine times superior to ours. This is one of the reasons why horses are capable of such strenuous exercise and work.

Lungs are an important part of horses’ respiratory system. It’s in the lungs’ alveoli that gaseous exchange occurs, allowing oxygen to enter the horse’s bloodstream and carbon dioxide to be eliminated from the body.

 

That said, today, we’re raising awareness of important conditions that can affect a horse’s respiratory tract, what you can do to keep your horse healthy and how you can spot respiratory issues at an early stage.

 

Common horse respiratory diseases

There are many diseases that can affect a horse’s respiratory system, which we can divide into two large groups:

Infectious diseases:

  • Viral infections, such as equine influenza and equine viral arteritis
  • Bacterial infections, such as strangles, and secondary infections

Non-infectious diseases:

  • Inflammatory airway disease
  • Recurrent airway obstruction

 

What can you do to promote your horse’s respiratory health?

Staying informed is key, so don’t hesitate to seek professional advice when needed and discuss any concerns that you may have with your vet.

Knowing how to spot indicators of respiratory issues is very important as well so that you can tackle these at an early stage.

Regarding infectious diseases, some can be prevented through vaccination. Vaccination protocols are recommended based on a number of factors, including age, lifestyle and environment, so you should discuss this with your vet to find out what would be best for your horse.

As for non-infectious diseases, the ones that we mention above have an allergic nature, which means that part of their management involves environmental changes to remove or minimise potential allergens in the air.

 

Spotting respiratory signs

There are obvious signs of respiratory disease that everyone can easily identify, such as nasal discharge, coughing, and reluctance to exercise (although this last sign can be caused by many non-respiratory problems as well).

But it’s also important to be aware of more subtle signs, such as an increased respiratory rate and other non-specific signs like altered behaviour, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

If you recognise any of these, contact your vet so that they can examine your horse as soon as possible and if necessary, start treatment straight away!

Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

 

Spring flowers for cats

Spring brings us some of the best experiences of the year! The days start getting longer and warmer, and the dreary weather of winter slowly makes way for springtime bloom.

Even though there are still plenty of movement restrictions, the spring green and extra light make everyone a little more cheerful, even though we can’t go on outdoor adventures quite yet. Despite that, our gardens and homes are alive once more with all sorts of plants and flowers, letting us safely enjoy all the good things about this season from home.

 

However, plenty of plants can be dangerous to our furry friends, especially their bulbs. Some of the most common examples are:

  • Lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis)
  • Foxglove
  • Ivy
  • Yew
  • Rhododendron and azalea
  • Oleander
  • Daffodil
  • Geranium
  • Hyacinth
  • Tulips

If you’re considering a revamp on your garden or just looking to add some colour to your rooms, don’t forget to check for plants that are pet-appropriate!

 

Lilium and Hemerocallis

We would like to take some time to talk about cats and lilies, which are often bought into our homes as gifts or decorations, as these can pose a deadly danger for our feline companions.

Lilies (Lilium) and daylilies (Hemerocallis) are the two groups that are the most toxic to cats. Many other species have ‘lily’ in their common name but might not be considered lilies.

A small quantity of any part of the plant is enough to cause severe harm, including the pollen. Even though your cats may not be interested in nibbling flowers or unpotting bulbs, they may still ingest pollen by grooming their coats.

Signs of lily intoxication

  • Drooling;
  • Nausea;
  • Vomiting;
  • Diarrhoea;
  • Disorientation;
  • Tremors;
  • Seizures;
  • Kidney failure.

Irreversible kidney damage is easy to happen, and the best way to avoid it is to not have any lilies in your home or garden.

If you suspect your cat has come in contact with a lily, do not hesitate to contact your vet! The sooner the treatment is started, the better the chances of recovering without losing kidney function.

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses: