COPD Heaves in a Polo Pony

Description

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is more commonly known as "Heaves". Heaves in a polo pony can cause an allergic response similar to asthma in people. It is a reaction to mold spores and dust in the environment.

Symptoms

Affected horses will develop a nasal discharge, cough, and in some cases a "heave line" at the base of the ribs, which is the result of the enlargement of the muscles responsible for expelling discharges out of the lungs.

Each time a horse with heaves is exposed to mold or dust, inflammation and accumulation of fluid occur in the airways. Repeated episodes of inflammation can cause the mucous cells to thicken and may result in obstruction of normal air flow during breathing.

Treatment

There is no cure for heaves. However, management and nutritional strategies can decrease the incidence of the allergic reaction associated with heaves. The horse's environment should be kept free of mold and dust. If necessary, turn out a horse to pasture instead of stabling it in a barn. In addition, feed forages with low dust and mold content.