How to Diagnose Alveolar Emphysema in Horses

Alveolar emphysema, similar to asthma in humans, is known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), broken wind or heaves. Alveolar emphysema is a chronic allergic disease--a reaction to allergens such as dust, pollen and mold spores. It constricts the walls of the small airways, swells the airway lining--making it harder to breath--and produces more mucus. Difficulty exhaling causes coughing and wheezing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Listen closely for wheezing while your horse is resting or working. Determine if he is coughing and producing mucous and if so, how much. Also check to see if he has a fever. If no fever is present, this is another flag you're dealing with alveolar emphysema.
2. Look for signs of sluggishness that are not normal for your horse. Ascertain if your horse is quitting on you when she normally wouldn't.
3. Identify when the cough happens, right after work or while at rest. In most cases, a work-related cough in combination with wheezing at rest are giveaway signals you're dealing with alveolar emphysema. Find natural healing herbals such as Breathe EZ and Calm EZ on the Internet, and ask your veterinarian if these are safe when combined with conventional medications.
4. Examine the building where hay is stored for dust, pollen and fungal spores. Moldy, dusty hay in a stable with poor ventilation will exacerbate the symptoms of alveolar emphysema. Improve ventilation to help ameliorate air quality and reduce the severity of your horse's coughing.