Equine Respiratory Prevention and Treatment

Wessex Animal Health > EQUESTRIAN STORE > Respiratory Products

The Respiratory System
Horses evolved to thrive on wide open plains, their respiratory tracts designed for exerting maximum performance when fleeing predators. This bears little or no resemblance to the modern domesticated horse kept in enclosed environments and often asked to work in them too!

Stabling horses makes it difficult to avoid contact with airborne irritants, such as dust and fungal spores often abundant in hay, bedding and riding surfaces. Some horses are highly reactive to these irritants which upon inhalation can irritate the delicate lung tissue creating a cough reflex in the first instance. This may then develop into something more serious, often leading to respiratory distress that can inhibit performance in affected horses. It must also be remembered that in the spring and summer month's similar symptoms can be brought on by high pollen counts. In most cases management will play an important role in dealing with the matter, however, great support can also be gained through nutritional support.

Traditionally Garlic has been fed to horses to support the health of their lungs. A study at Cambridge Veterinary School, investigating the effect of garlic on bacteria isolated from Thoroughbreds, found that garlic appears to have an inhibitory effect on the specific bacterial strains that can be detrimental to the equine respiratory system. When choosing garlic ensure that whole cloves are used, not just extracts. American garlic is produced using only the clove, which renders it the strongest available and hence the most economical to feed on a cost per day basis. Alternative cheaper versions of garlic may be produced from the whole garlic plant, therefore they are weaker in concentration. Other herbs useful to lung health include capsicum, thought to support mucocillary response, and Althea (marshmallow) which provides mucilage, which forms a protective layer over mucous membranes and respiratory tissue, thus soothing any irritation.

Repeated assault to the lungs can cause significant tissue degradation and if breathing starts to become laboured in any way veterinary advice should be sought. There are veterinary prescribed drugs that will help to ease the condition, although some of these substances may not be suitable for long-term use or not permissible under the rules of competition. For these reasons once the condition has been brought under control, a natural approach is often sought.

Recent research on equine respiratory disorders recommends supplementing the diet with antioxidants to help mop up and flush out the excess toxins that accumulate in the challenged tissues. This encourages the removal of unwanted, often deep seated 'muck' and congestion from within the lungs. However, it is recognised that not all antioxidants will be effective on all horses. To combat this a complex blend, such as those found in Respirator, must be fed to cater for all needs. The antioxidants used in this formula are naturally sourced as these are more efficient than their man-made synthetic counterparts.

It must be remembered that not only does coughing directly impair performance the reflex itself will lead to further degradation of the lung tissue. To help protect the airways from the ill effects of dust and spores that can become airborne when the horse is being ridden, it is often useful to give the horse a linctus type product immediately prior to exercise. For this purpose, NAF developed Kof-Eze, a palatable soothing syrup containing teatree oil, peppermint and lemon. These ingredients help to relax the airways whilst offering the benefits of their natural antibacterial and fungicidal properties.

AIRWAYS
A Pre-Event mouthwash which encourages the maximum air intake essential for optimum performance over the duration of a competition.

473ml - (Zero Rated)

Price:£15.50

COFF-LESS
Coff-less is specially formulated using natural herbs, including garlic, for a healthy clear respiratory system.

908gm - (Zero Rated)

Price:£37.55

EASY BREATHING
NAF Easy Breathing contains a range of herbs specifically chosen for their benefit to
lung tissue integrity. 1kg is sufficient for 20days supply.

1kg - (Zero Rated)

Download Veterinary Datasheet
Price:£15.45

FOAL RESUSCITATOR
Performance-tested resuscitator
Aspirator mask
Resuscitator mask
Oxygen adapter
Oxygen recovery mask (optional)
Carrying case
Instructions
2-year warranty
For further information, please click on this link
Price:£70.00 (£82.25 Including VAT at 17.5%)

KOFEZE
A soothing syrup of honey, lemon, peppermint and teatree oil. Syringe directly into horse's throat immediately prior to exercise. Alternatively may be licked from a bowl.

500ml

Download Veterinary Datasheet
Price:£9.13 (£10.73 Including VAT at 17.5%)

NO WHEEZE
A vital contribution to the maintenance of trouble-free airways in the horse – a natural ‘pipe-opener.’

1ltr & 2.5ltr - (Zero Rated)

No Wheeze - 1ltr - £17.95
No Wheeze - 2.5ltr - £42.50

WENDALS RESPIRATION
With herbs like Garlic, Fennel and Liquorice Root included, this blend naturally soothes and assists in the nutritional management of the respiratory system and helps allow the natural discharge of mucus. Equally successful for long term or seasonal problems.

1kg - (Zero Rated)
Price:£16.03

RESPIRATOR 5* (NAF)
Respirator is recommended for all horses to promote a healthy respiratory
mucosal immune system.

1kg - (Zero Rated)

Download Veterinary Datasheet
Price:£35.65

FIVE STAR RESPIRATOR BOOST
When speed counts, powerful Respirator Boost provides the ultimate blend of nutrients to support respiratory immunity and clear the way for optimum lung function.

1ltr - (Zero Rated)
A 1L container fed at 60ml per day will last 16 days
Price:£21.95

Wessex Animal Health > EQUESTRIAN STORE > Respiratory Products