Comprehensive Respiratory Examinations
Respiratory health is critical to your horse’s comfort, performance, and long-term well-being. Our practice offers thorough respiratory evaluations for horses of all disciplines, from pleasure horses to elite athletes. We assess both upper and lower airway function and tailor diagnostics and treatment plans to each individual horse.
Conditions We Evaluate and Treat
Equine Asthma / Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) / Heaves
Equine asthma is a spectrum of inflammatory lower airway disease that can affect horses of all ages. Clinical signs may include coughing, nasal discharge, poor performance, or increased respiratory effort. Early diagnosis and individualized management are essential to maintaining long-term lung health.
Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH / “Bleeders”)
EIPH occurs when small blood vessels in the lungs rupture during strenuous exercise. While some horses show obvious nosebleeds, many cases are only detectable with diagnostics. Identifying and managing EIPH can improve performance and protect lung function.
Pneumonia
Bacterial or viral pneumonia can affect horses of any age. Symptoms may include fever, lethargy, rapid or labored breathing, nasal discharge, or loss of appetite. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent serious complications and support full recovery.
Infectious Respiratory Disease
We evaluate horses with suspected viral or bacterial infections, including those presenting with cough, nasal discharge, swollen lymph nodes, or decreased appetite. Early intervention reduces disease severity and limits spread to other horses.
Advanced Respiratory Diagnostics
We use a range of in-field and clinic-based diagnostics to accurately identify respiratory conditions:
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Upper Airway Endoscopy (Scope) – Direct visualization of the nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, and trachea to detect inflammation, mucus, bleeding, or structural abnormalities.
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Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) – Collects samples from the lower airway to evaluate inflammatory cells, aiding in the diagnosis of equine asthma and other airway conditions.
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Transtracheal Wash (TTW) – Samples lower airway secretions for cytology and culture, especially useful for suspected bacterial infections or chronic cough.
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Ultrasound – Non-invasive imaging of the lungs, pleural space, and chest wall to identify pneumonia, fluid accumulation, abscesses, or other structural changes.
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Additional Testing – May include bloodwork, infectious disease testing, additional imaging, or performance evaluation depending on the clinical picture.
Flexineb Nebulizer Therapy
For horses with respiratory inflammation or chronic airway disease, targeted inhaled therapy can be highly effective. The Flexineb nebulizer delivers medications—such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, or saline—directly to the lower airways, improving outcomes while minimizing systemic side effects.
We offer Flexineb nebulizer rentals to clients when medically appropriate. Our team can provide a full demonstration and will provide written instructions to ensure safe, effective at-home use, making it easier to manage conditions such as:
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Equine asthma or inflammatory airway disease
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Horses with recurrent coughing or poor performance
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Adjunct therapy during recovery from respiratory infections
Individualized Treatment Options
Treatment plans are customized based on diagnosis, severity, and your horse’s lifestyle and performance goals. Options may include:
Medical Management
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Inhaled or systemic anti-inflammatory medications
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Bronchodilators
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Antibiotics or antivirals when indicated
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Supportive therapies to improve airway function
Environmental & Management Strategies
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Dust reduction (hay soaking/steaming, low-dust bedding)
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Optimized turnout and ventilation
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Management and nutritional adjustments to reduce airway inflammation
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Shockwave therapy may be offered as an adjunct for horses with equine asthma or EIPH. It can help reduce airway inflammation, improve pulmonary circulation, and support overall lung health in selected cases.
Faqs
Frequently Asked Questions About Respiratory Examinations
When should my horse have a respiratory examination?
A respiratory examination may be recommended if your horse shows signs such as coughing, nasal discharge, poor performance, labored breathing, fever, or reduced stamina during exercise. Early evaluation helps identify the underlying cause and allows for prompt treatment.
What respiratory conditions do you diagnose and treat?
Our veterinarians evaluate and manage a variety of respiratory conditions, including equine asthma, inflammatory airway disease, pneumonia, infectious respiratory diseases, and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). Proper diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.
What diagnostic tests are used to evaluate respiratory problems in horses?
Respiratory diagnostics may include upper airway endoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), transtracheal wash (TTW), ultrasound imaging, and laboratory testing. These tools help identify inflammation, infection, structural abnormalities, and other airway concerns.
What is endoscopy and why might my horse need it?
Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible camera to examine the horse’s nasal passages, throat, and upper airway. It allows veterinarians to identify inflammation, mucus buildup, bleeding, or structural issues that may affect breathing and performance.
What treatment options are available for horses with respiratory conditions?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis but may include medications such as bronchodilators, anti-inflammatories, or antibiotics, along with environmental management to reduce dust and airway irritation. In some cases, therapies like nebulization or shockwave therapy may also be recommended.