The airways in the equine are the limiting factor affecting performance. Obstruction in the airway creates resistance (Robinson and Sprayberry 2015). Resistance in the airway may limit training and performance (Harms et al.1997 and Jenkinson et al.2011) and cause diaphragmatic failure (Manoher et al. 1988). Marlin and Nankervis (2013), advise Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) is the most commonly occurring medical condition in adult equines. It is a hypersensitive allergic response to certain components of dust...
The airways in the equine are the limiting factor affecting performance. Obstruction in the airway creates resistance (Robinson and Sprayberry 2015). Resistance in the airway may limit training and performance (Harms et al.1997 and Jenkinson et al.2011) and cause diaphragmatic failure (Manoher et al. 1988).
Marlin and Nankervis (2013), advise Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) is the most commonly occurring medical condition in adult equines. It is a hypersensitive allergic response to certain components of dust (Robinson 2015 and Mc Gorum et al.2007). Mild obstruction caused by dust in a horse with RAO can be a major inhibitor of performance (Kobluk 1995).
Inflammatory Airway disease (IAD), compromises the integrity of the airway. IAD has been linked to the deep inhalation of particulates (Couëtil et al. 2007). Mucous is produced in response to foreign bodies, and airway diameter is reduced. Allen, Tremaine, and Franklin (2006) found that National Hunt horses with poor performance showed a high incidence of IAD. Wood et al. (2005), found a prevalence of 13.8% racehorses suffering from IAD and Mason et al. (2012) found a strong correlation between laryngeal hemiplegia and IAD in racehorses.
Behavioral problems have been identified in horses (Robinson and Sprayberry 2015) and animals (Wathes et al. 1983, Smith et al.,1996, David et al.2015 and Casey 2007) as result of high levels of dust.
